BJP pulls up Sakshi Maharaj for 'Hindu women should produce atleast 4 children' comment

New Delhi: Days after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah admitted that the statements of party leaders like Sakshi Maharaj were detrimental towards the government's image, the party on Monday issued a show-cause notice to the Unnao MP over his appeal to every Hindu to have four children.

The BJP, in the notice that has been sent on the direction of the party president, has asked Sakshi Maharaj to respond within 10 days his position on why he continued to make "controversial statements which go against the party line despite having been warned."

The party has asked him to explain why action should not be initiated against him for his controversial remarks, notably the comments he made at the Sant Samagam Mahotsava in Meerut which left the party red-faced.

The Unnao MP had been quoted as saying, "The concept of four wives and 40 children will not work in India and the time has come when a Hindu woman must produce at least four children in order to protect Hindu religion."

BJP chief Amit Shah had expressed his displeasure over Sakshi Maharaj's remarks, and said, "When our MLAs or MPs give such statements, it damages the BJP."

Shah said he had advised his colleagues many times to exercise restraint while speaking. He added that the BJP doesn't agree with Sakshi Maharaj's comments.

The BJP MP, who was earlier at the centre of a controversy when he described Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi's assassin Nathuram Godse as a 'patriot', emphasized that it is necessary for Hindus to increase their progeny to protect the religion.