Asaduddin Owaisi Mocks BJP leader Navneet Rana's Population Pitch, Says ‘Why Stop at Four?’

New Delhi: Sharp statements regarding population and demography have started once again in the politics of Maharashtra. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has hit back sharply at BJP leader Navneet Rana's statement of "having three or four children." Without taking names, Owaisi gave such an answer from the stage, which further intensified the debate. The matter is no longer limited to mere statements but has turned into political allegations and counter-allegations and ideological conflict.

How did the controversy start?

BJP leader Navneet Rana had recently said in a statement that Hindus should have at least three to four children to prevent the country's population structure from becoming a "Pakistan-like situation." She also accused some communities of producing more children. As soon as the statement came out, there was a stir in political circles.

What did Owaisi say?

While addressing a public meeting in Akola, Maharashtra, Asaduddin Owaisi took a direct jibe at this statement. He said he has six children of his own, and his beard is turning grey. Then the question was raised that if there is talk of having four children, then why not eight? Owaisi said sarcastically, "Who is stopping her from having twenty children?"

Why was the challenge given from the stage?

Owaisi said that when people holding responsible positions in the country are advising to have more children, then why don't they themselves follow it? He called it a kind of political joke and said that such statements spread confusion in the society.

Why were RSS and other leaders mentioned?

In his speech, Owaisi praised RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu's old statements were also cited, in which there was talk of more children. Owaisi raised the question that when big leaders are saying such things, then why is the same being expected from common people?

What argument did Navneet Rana give in his statement?

Navneet Rana had said that some people do multiple marriages and produce a large number of children. She claimed that because of this, the risk of population imbalance is increasing. She had appealed to Hindus to produce more children so that the population structure of the country remains safe.

How did the opposition view this statement?

Many opposition leaders, including Congress MP Manickam Tagore, criticized this thinking. They said that a serious topic like population should not be viewed from an emotional and religious perspective. They called this unscientific thinking and said that the country is already struggling with population pressure.

Why does politics heat up on the population?

Experts believe that in an election environment such issues often become a part of political rhetoric. Topics like population growth, religion, and identity quickly come into discussion, which also increases polarization.

What could be the further impact?

The impact of this rhetoric may be visible on the politics of Maharashtra in the coming days. The debate regarding population and demography is likely to intensify further. The question is whether this issue will lead to discussion on policy and statistics or will be limited to political rhetoric only.