BJP chief distances himself from Sakshi Maharaj's statement

BJP president Amit Shah Wednesday distanced himself from party MP Sakshi Maharaj's controversial statement that a Hindu woman must give birth to at least four children to protect the religion.

"This is his personal opinion. I don't want to comment on this," Shah told reporters here.

Address a gathering in Meerut Tuesday, Maharaj said the concept of four wives and 40 children will not work in India and the time has come when a Hindu woman must produce at least four children in order to protect Hindu religion.

Maharaj also said a law will be passed in parliament in which anyone indulging in cow slaughter and conversion will be punished with death.

Shah said his party was opposed to forcible religious conversion and asked if the "so-called secular parties" would support legislation to prevent forcible conversion.

"Forcible conversion should be stopped in the country. The BJP is not in favour of forcible conversions.

"But, there should be a consensus to bring the law. You ask the so-called secular parties whether they would support to bring the law," said the BJP president.

Speaking on formation of the government in Jammu and Kashmir, he said there was no decision yet on the issue.