Minority Affairs Minister Najma Heptullah backs Giriraj Singh's 'population' remark

New Delhi: Union Minority Affairs Minister Najma Heptullah on Sunday supported BJP's firebrand leader Giriraj Singh's remark in which he had proposed a law in the country that same number of children should be allowed for families across religions whether Hindu, Muslim, Sikh or Christian.

Speaking to ANI, Heptullah said, “Giriraj ji has said it now. But I have been a votary of small family with two children for long.”

“I have three children myself, and I am also a culprit. Had there been two-child limit back then, I too would have stuck to it,” revealed Heptullah, who is a Muslim herself.

Giriraj drew a massive flak when he had said, “Hindus should have two sons, Muslims, too, should have two sons. Our population is coming down. Bihar has seven such districts where our population has gone down. Population rules have to be changed, only then will our daughters be safe. Otherwise, like Pakistan, we too will have to keep our daughters under the veil.”

“There should be such a law in the country that same number of children should be allowed for families across religions whether Hindu, Muslim, Sikh or Christian. The population policy should be the same for all. And if you want our country to be a developed nation, population control is necessary," he added.

The Opposition had condemned his remarks, stating his basic purpose is to create a "divide" between the Hindus and the Muslims for "short term political gains"

(With PTI inputs)