Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat’s call for couples to have at least three children has sparked sharp criticism from opposition leaders, who argue that such statements disregard personal choice and the nation’s existing challenges. Bhagwat’s remarks, made during a speech in Nagpur, were based on concerns over India’s declining population growth, citing the risks of societal extinction if the fertility rate falls below 2.1.

Opposition leaders have expressed strong disapproval of the suggestion. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Jitendra Awhad questioned the feasibility of Bhagwat’s proposal, pointing out the country’s resource constraints, such as rising inflation and increasing school fees. He emphasized that women, who manage household economics, are best positioned to make family decisions. Awhad further questioned whether the RSS would impose specific family planning choices on citizens, asking if they would dictate having four children.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut took a swipe at Bhagwat, suggesting that if the RSS were genuinely concerned about population growth, it should direct its advice toward BJP members. Raut also accused the RSS of hypocrisy, highlighting contradictions in their policies, including their stance on women’s safety and the potential implementation of a common civil code.

Other opposition leaders, including Asaduddin Owaisi and Tariq Anwar, mocked Bhagwat’s proposal. Owaisi sarcastically asked if the RSS chief would offer financial incentives to couples who comply, while Anwar criticized the inconsistency in the RSS’s stance on population growth and Muslim fertility rates. Anwar suggested that the BJP and RSS should first implement such measures themselves.

In contrast, BJP leaders defended Bhagwat’s comments, insisting that his call for higher birth rates was in the country’s best interest. BJP MP Manoj Tiwari emphasized that the RSS is a patriotic organization and viewed Bhagwat’s statement as a positive contribution to national growth. Similarly, BJP MPs Arun Govil and Dinesh Sharma supported the view that a growing population is essential for India’s development.

Union Minister Chirag Paswan, an ally of the BJP, acknowledged the issue raised by Bhagwat, recognizing it as a technical concern related to fertility rates and national demographics.