FIR against BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj for communal comment

NEW DELHI/LUCKNOW: The Meerut Police on Saturday filed an FIR against BJP leader Sakshi Maharaj, who on Friday controversially said — without naming Muslims — that those entitled to marry four times and have 40 children are responsible for the country’s population explosion. Police filed the FIR under Section 298 of IPC (hurting religious sentiments), among others.

Earlier in the day, the Election Commission sought a report from Meerut district administration regarding the BJP MP’s controversial statement. “The commission has sought a report from the Meerut administration in connection with the statement issued by Sakshi Maharaj,” the Chief Electoral Officer said. As per the norm, the district administration needs to submit a report to the EC in connection with the statement.

Meanwhile, the BJP distanced itself from party MP’s comment, saying it is not the view of the ruling party nor that of the NDA government at the Centre. Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi reiterated that the BJP is for inclusive growth and asserted the country will be governed based on “law, Constitution and not danda (baton)”.

“I have not read his statement. But when we talk about development of all... this country runs as per law, Constitution and not baton. His statement, I believe, is not the government’s view and also not of the BJP,” Naqvi said in New Delhi. While addressing a “sant sammelan” in Meerut, the Unnao MP had said: “Those with four wives and 40 children are responsible for the population increase in the country. Hindus are not responsible for the increase in population.”