New Delhi: Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has extended its support to the recent controversial statement of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over the rising minority population in the state. On the completion of one month of his government in Assam on Thursday, Himanta Biswa Sarma held a presser where he appealed to the minority community to cooperate with population control and adopt a "decent family planning policy" to reduce poverty.
However, reacting sharply to Sarma's statement, prominent Muslim leaders including Asaduddin Owaisi said that he was pointing to a particular community and his statement is politically motivated. Meanwhile, releasing a video welcoming Assam CM's statement, VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal said that population control is an important issue that must be discussed. He also said that it's a fact that the massive population growth is a major reason behind increasing poverty, illiteracy and the criminal tendency of any society.
Read:| Himanta urges minority community to adopt 'decent family planning policy' for poverty reduction
Therefore, everyone should consider the appeal of Assam CM and come forward to control the population, he added. "If the population is not controlled in time, then it will be difficult to stop the way unrest, illiteracy and unemployment are being encouraged in the world," he claimed. The VHP spokesperson further said that population control is very necessary for the development of any country or state, for its happiness, prosperity and peace.
Read:| No time to lose, new Assam CM has to hit ground running
"There should be a national initiative on this subject and without any delay, meaningful debate and comprehensive action plan should be implemented," he said. During his press conference, Himanta Biswa Sarma said that he wants to work along with the minority community to reduce population growth in Assam as the rising population is the root cause of social threats including poverty and land encroachment.
He also talked about educating and creating awareness over the issue of the rising population among women of the minority community.
