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AIMIM President and Member of Parliament (MP) Asaduddin Owaisi has criticised Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat for saying that every Indian couple should have three children, saying that such suggestions amount to unwanted interference in personal choices.

“Who is he to interfere in people's lives? Why are you trying to burden a woman who will decide with her family, with her husband, how many children they want? RSS people don't get married. Many of them lead a celibate lifestyle. We are not commenting on your lifestyle choices. Why are you giving your opinion on things you don't do?” Owaisi told NDTV.

Speaking exclusively to NDTV on Friday, Owaisi said that the RSS chief's remarks stem from a concern over India’s underutilised demographic dividend, saying it has been “completely wasted.” He noted that 65 per cent of India’s population is under the age of 35 and alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bhagwat have failed to provide employment, education and skill development opportunities to this young population.

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“That is why he is saying have three children. PM Modi said open a 'pakoda' stall or take gas from a drain. Let's not forget that PM Modi said in his 2019 Independence Day speech that there must be population control. One should never forget what he said in Rajasthan during the 2024 parliament elections, wherein he blamed the Muslims for giving birth to more children. Now, suddenly, Mr Bhagwat says have more children?”

Owaisi Slams UP Report On Sambhal Violence

Earlier in November, violence broke out near the Shahi Jama Masjid in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district during an Archaeological Survey of India-monitored survey of the mosque. As many as four people were killed, and several were injured.

A three-member judicial panel submitted its report on the incident this Thursday. The report erupted controversy with some alleging a demographic shift in Sambhal, suggesting a conspiracy to target Hindus and the involvement of outsiders in the violence.

When asked about the report, Owaisi said that the Uttar Pradesh government under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is bent on making life difficult for Muslims, and the report does not surprise him. Criticising opposition parties, he said that the “so-called secular” parties have remained silent on the issue.

While speaking to NDTV, he alleged, “You cannot expect them to do justice under a government which is hell-bent on making life difficult for the Muslims of Uttar Pradesh. They have used bulldozers to demolish, without due process, many houses of Muslims. They have used these so-called encounters to either injure... or some people have also died.”

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“So, I am not at all surprised that this kind of a biased report would come, but I am sure the people of Sambhal would give a befitting democratic reply, not only to the present BJP government in Uttar Pradesh but also to the so-called secular parties who are maintaining radio silence on the Sambhal issue,” he added.