NEW DELHI: BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj on Wednesday came under attack from all quarters after he stirred up another controversy during Tuesday’s rally in Mathura, when he said that Hindu women should have at least four children.
After the controversial speech was played out on the news channels on Wednesday, the BJP distanced itself from the comment on Wednesday evening.
As the MP’s comments once again caused embarrassment to the party, the BJP said it was his personal comments.
“This is Maharaj’s personal statement. The BJP believes in the politics of good governance and development. The party requests all its cadre to focus on propagating the work done by the Centre, and try to keep themselves away from needless statements,” an official statement released by BJP secretary Shrikant Sharma said.
BJP chief Amit Shah, speaking to reporters in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday evening, sought to distance the party from Maharaj’s comments.
Elected MP from Unnao in Uttar Pradesh, Maharaj had last month called both Mahatma Gandhi and his assassin Nathuram Godse as patriots, leading to disruption in both the Houses of Parliament. Though he quickly apologised for his comments, the image stuck on.
In his latest speech, he said, “We have accepted the slogan ‘Hum do, hamara ek’. Now these traitors are not satisfied. They have given another slogan ‘Hum do aur hamara.... They are advocating marriage of a girl to a girl, boy to another boy. This is what the last government did.
“This is why... I want to request women to give birth to at least four children. Give one to sadhus and ascetics. Media say there are ceasefire violations happening, so send another to the border,” Maharaj said.
Predictably, the Opposition parties reacted sharply.
Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said, “Is the Indian population policy being changed? Why has the Prime Minister maintained silence for 24 hours? Why has the Home Minister, the party president, the Finance Minister kept mum on the issue? Is this the new population policy? The nation wants an answer. We are confident that no answer will come.”
Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Anand Sharma said such remarks were meant to polarise the environment.