Hyderabad: AIMIM president and Member of Parliament Asaduddin Owaisi has sharply criticised Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat’s suggestion that every Indian family should have three children. Speaking to the media, Owaisi described the proposal as “double-speak” and an unnecessary intrusion into family life.
During the centenary celebrations of RSS in New Delhi, Bhagwat argued that three children per family were necessary to maintain demographic balance. He linked the suggestion with India’s official population policy target of 2.1 children, saying it effectively meant three.
Owaisi countered these remarks by pointing to official data. Citing the 2011 Census, he highlighted that the Muslim population stood at 14.23 percent, compared to 79.8 percent Hindus. He added that the growth rate among Muslims has consistently declined, with their fertility rate falling faster than any other community. “This whole narrative of Muslims overtaking Hindus is a complete lie,” he said.
The Hyderabad MP accused the RSS and its affiliates of spreading false claims about Muslim population growth while ignoring real challenges. He argued that India’s strength lies in its young population, with 60 percent of citizens below 35 years. Instead of discussing demographic dividends and employment opportunities, he said, the RSS and BJP leadership were pushing divisive ideas.
Owaisi also questioned Bhagwat’s claims that the RSS does not target any community. He recalled instances where Muslims were referred to with derogatory terms and asked why hate-filled events calling for violence against Muslims were allowed to take place.
He warned against burdening women with politically driven population targets and said personal choices on family size must be respected. Owaisi also charged that animosity against Muslims has been institutionalised during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure.
