Giriraj Singh faces flak over remarks

The Opposition on Thursday mounted a scathing attack on Union minister Giriraj Singh for his controversial remarks on population control. The JD(U) and the RJD, demanding the BJP’s official position on the issue, said that Mr Singh was trying to create a “divide between two communities by raking up communal issues”.

The JD(U) and the RJD, while referring to Mr Singh’s earlier statement in which he had suggested “strict population laws in the country to save girls”, said such people should not be allowed to speak in public as they are capable of spoiling social balance in the country.

Reacting sharply, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar said, “Giriraj Singh keeps giving such controversial statement to remain in the limelight and to save his ministerial berth.” He also referred to his earlier remarks and said “he has to support the ideology of his party”.

Mr Singh, addressing an event in Bagha, had said: “If strict population rules were not enforced, then our girls will be forced to live under the veil as they have been living in Pakistan and will not be allowed to go out not even to school.”

He had also said: “There should be equal population laws in India for both Hindus and Muslims. There are seven districts in Bihar where our population has dropped and we have to take this seriously.” Mr Singh said: “Like China, Malaysia and other neighbouring countries, India too should enforce strict laws to control population. I am also worried about the sharp fall in the population of Hindus in several states, including Bihar, and this needs immediate attention to maintain social harmony.”

He added, “If Hindus can have two kids then Muslims too should have only two kids.”