A BJP MLA from Junnardeo constituency in Madhya Pradesh has joined the ranks of Yogi Adityanath and Sadhvi Prachi in advising Indians to have at least four children each, according to a report in Hindustan Times.
“I appeal to mothers and sisters not to repeat this mistake (sterilisation). Tell them (health officials) that we don’t want the Rs 12,000 or Rs 19,000 (incentive on birth control). I am completely against the concept of family planning. I also ask ANMs and ASHA workers to not listen to officials of their departments who ask them to promote such programmes (family planning)," said Nathan Shah.
“Main to ulta he bolunga kyunki yeh meri iccha ke virudha hai. Main aya hoon kyunki doctor sahib ne bulaya hai. (I will speak against it because this programme is against my wish. I have come because doctor has invited me),” said Shah.
And his main reason for the opposition to family planning? Indian culture!
What's more, Nathan Shah made these comments at the Community Health Centre at Tamia in Chhindwara district, where government officials had assembled to mark World Population Day on Saturday. The programme had been organised by the health department.
When contacted by HT later, Shah said he was father to (only) three children.
Reacting to this, state health minister Narottam Mishra said to HT, “These may be his personal views. Every person has the right to his opinion in a democracy.”
