Key Highlights
- Incentive for Four Children: Vishnu Rajoria, president of the Parshuram Kalyan Board in Madhya Pradesh, announced a reward of ₹1 lakh for Brahmin couples having four children.
- Appeal to Youth: Rajoria urged Brahmin youth to prioritize larger families, warning of potential societal imbalance.
- Political Backlash: Congress criticized the statement, calling it regressive, while the BJP distanced itself from Rajoria’s remarks.
- Population Debate Revived: The comments reignited discussions on population control and the socio-political implications of such appeals.
Indore: Indore witnessed a political storm on Sunday after Vishnu Rajoria, the president of the Parshuram Kalyan Board of Brahmin society, made a controversial statement during a Sanadhya Brahmin Parichay Sammelan. Rajoria, who holds the status of a minister of state in Madhya Pradesh, announced a reward of ₹1 lakh for Brahmin couples who have four children.
“Four Children for the Nation’s Future”
Rajoria emphasized the importance of larger families among Brahmin youth, claiming it was essential to counterbalance the rising population of “non-Hindu” groups. Addressing the gathering, he stated:
“The youth of Brahmin society should have at least four children. Today’s youth often stop at one child, citing the high cost of education and living expenses. However, I appeal to you to prioritize the future of our culture and society over such concerns.”
Political Firestorm Ensues
Rajoria’s comments quickly drew criticism from opposition parties, particularly the Congress. Senior Congress leader Mukesh Nayak condemned the statement, saying:
“Population growth is one of the biggest challenges globally. It’s irresponsible to promote larger families when the focus should be on providing quality education and a better standard of living for fewer children.”
BJP Distances Itself
Adding to the controversy, Rajoria’s own party, the BJP, sought to distance itself from his remarks. A party spokesperson clarified:
“The BJP government operates strictly within the framework of the Constitution. Decisions about family size are personal and should not be influenced by such statements.”
Broader Implications
Rajoria’s comments have reignited the debate around population control in India. While proponents of smaller families emphasize economic stability and resource management, statements like Rajoria’s highlight concerns about cultural preservation and demographic shifts.
Inflation and Education Costs Cited
Rajoria acknowledged the financial challenges of raising children but urged families to adapt. He argued that societal stability depended on larger families within specific communities, hinting at fears of being outnumbered in the future.
Mixed Reactions from the Public
The public response to Rajoria’s statement has been polarized. While some groups within the Brahmin community supported the appeal, others questioned its practicality in an era of rising inflation and limited resources.
What’s Next?
As the political tug-of-war continues, the incident has drawn attention to the sensitive issue of population control and its intersection with cultural and religious identity. The BJP’s attempt to disassociate itself from Rajoria’s remarks reflects the delicate balance between respecting individual choices and addressing communal concerns.
Rajoria’s controversial statement has not only sparked a political debate but also brought the focus back to the broader challenges of managing population growth, societal dynamics, and cultural preservation in a rapidly evolving India.
