“I Have Six, What’s Stopping You?” Owaisi Hits Back at BJP Leader’s ‘Four Children’ Remark

A fresh political controversy erupted on January 6, 2026, after AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi launched a sharp attack on BJP leader Navneet Rana over her remarks urging people to have more children to maintain what she described as India’s demographic balance. Owaisi’s comments have intensified the debate around population, religion, and political messaging, drawing reactions across party lines.

Addressing a public rally in Maharashtra’s Akola district, Owaisi responded sarcastically to calls advocating larger families. Without directly naming Rana, he said he himself has six children and questioned why those making such statements were stopping at four. “I have six children and my beard is turning white. Someone says one should have four children. Why four? Have eight. Who is stopping you?” he remarked, triggering loud reactions from the crowd.

The AIMIM chief further escalated his criticism by recalling earlier remarks from senior leaders across the political spectrum who have spoken about population growth. He referenced statements made by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, whose party supports the BJP-led central government. Owaisi questioned the logic behind repeatedly advising citizens to have more children while turning population growth into a political slogan. “Everyone is saying have more children. Why aren’t you doing it yourself? Have 20 children. What kind of joke is this?” he said.

The controversy stems from Rana’s recent remarks in which she alleged that some communities were increasing their population rapidly and warned that India’s demographic structure could change if others did not respond. She urged Hindus to have at least three to four children, framing it as a measure to “protect” the country. Her comments quickly drew criticism for being divisive and for linking population growth with religious identity.

Owaisi strongly objected to such arguments, calling them politically motivated and illogical. He accused the BJP and its leaders of promoting fear-based narratives rather than addressing real governance issues. According to him, turning personal family choices into political tools reflects a dangerous mindset that undermines social harmony.

The remarks also triggered reactions from opposition leaders. Congress MP Manickam Tagore criticised the population-related statements, calling them unscientific and irresponsible. He argued that India’s population challenges should be addressed through data-driven policy and education rather than rhetoric rooted in religious or ideological fears. Tagore said such thinking ignores the reality that several states continue to struggle with stabilising population growth and face economic and social consequences as a result.

The debate has once again brought population control, demographic change, and political messaging into sharp focus. Experts have repeatedly pointed out that India’s population growth rate has been declining and that the real challenge lies in employment, education, healthcare, and equitable development rather than numbers alone.

As political parties trade barbs, the issue has sparked wider discussion on how sensitive social topics are increasingly used for political mobilisation. With elections on the horizon in several states, observers believe such statements are likely to fuel further polarisation in public discourse.