Bhopal, June 3 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Rameshwar Sharma triggered a political controversy on Wednesday, claiming that the demographics of several regions are undergoing a shift due to the rising population of Muslims and that this change is giving rise to a climate of tension and fear within society.

“The demographics of several regions are undergoing a shift due to the rising population of Muslims. The growth in the population of people belonging to a specific religion is giving rise to a climate of tension and fear within society,” Sharma told reporters in Bhopal.

He linked the demographic shift to the need for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and population control measures. Sharma, who has often made controversial remarks on Muslims, further said that a demand is gaining momentum across the country that parents should not have more than three children.

“A complete ban should be imposed on those who continue to have excessive numbers of children,” he added.

Invoking former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Sharma urged the Congress to support the government’s move. He said that even Indira Gandhi had emphasised the importance of family planning.

The third-time BJP MLA from Bhopal’s Huzur seat said the Congress party should support the government on this issue, rather than creating obstacles by disseminating misinformation among the public.

“I would appeal to the Congress leaders in Madhya Pradesh to support the Bharatiya Janata Party in the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code,” Sharma said.

Sharma’s remarks came two days after Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced that the UCC law would be implemented soon in Madhya Pradesh.

On Monday, Yadav said his government is committed to implementing a Uniform Civil Code and has begun gathering public feedback before moving ahead with the proposal.

Yadav stated that religion-based personal laws for marriage and family matters were no longer necessary. “The current practice of following different personal laws regarding our sisters’ weddings and family traditions based on religion is no longer necessary. We need a Uniform Civil Code in the state,” he said.

The state government is currently holding consultations with legal experts and citizens before drafting the UCC bill.

Congress leaders had not responded to Sharma’s comments till Wednesday evening.

–IANS

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