AIUDF chief and MP Badruddin Ajmal has kicked up a controversy with his remarks that Muslims will continue to produce children despite an Assam government's new criteria for providing employment to people having two or less children.
His comments drew sharp criticism from the BJP, with Assam Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Pijush Hazarika terming it "provocative and insensitive".
Union minister Giriraj Singh lashed out at the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) chief and asked "whether Islam is the factory to produce children in India in Badruddin Ajmal's view?"
Contending that religion does not state as to how many children one should have, Aowal told reporters, "Ajmal is engaged in politics of polarisation by invoking religion on the two-child norm. Now that his party is losing ground Ajmal is resorting to expanding his political business through religious polarisation."
Addressing the media here, AAMSU president Azizur Rahman said, "AAMSU does not support those who indulge in religious politics. People who love the state will definitely welcome the government's population policy."
Accusing the AIUDF chief of being "irresponsible", Hazarika said, "The two-child policy is not anti-Muslim as has been interpreted. There are many Muslims in Assam who believe in small families, which is desirable in a world where resources are shrinking due to immense population pressure on land."
Rejecting the government policy, the AIUDF chief said, "Muslims will continue to produce children, they will not listen to anyone. Now, the government has brought this law to stop Muslims from having jobs."
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content