A strong criticism has been launched by AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi against the RSS, accusing the organization of inconsistency regarding its views on population. Owaisi highlighted the perceived contradiction between earlier calls for population control measures during the BJP-led government and the current endorsement by RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat of a three-child family policy.
Owaisi pointed out that Bhagwat did not address the crucial issue of providing employment opportunities for the significant portion of the Indian population that is young. He accused the RSS of targeting Muslims regarding population concerns. He stated, ‘Now they are saying that each family should have three children. Earlier, they were saying that there should be a law on population that if there are more than two children in a family, then they should not be eligible for a government job.’
Owaisi emphasized the importance of individual autonomy in family planning, stating, ‘This should be left to the decision of family members. Mohan Bhagwat is placing a burden on women…., he is misleading the country. Sixty per cent of the population which is young at present, Bhagwat is not talking about giving jobs to them. He is not talking about making them productive. RSS indulges in double speak. They mislead the people.’ He also suggested that the RSS is making remarks for the political gain of the BJP.
In his remarks, Mohan Bhagwat presented population growth as a factor with both advantages and disadvantages. He stated, ‘Our country’s population policy recommends 2.1 children (on average). In maths, 2.1 is 2, but with the birth of children after 2, it is 3, which is why 2.1 means three. Every citizen should see that there should be three children in his/her family.’