New Delhi (Sputnik): Indian yoga guru Baba Ramdev's calls to to bar the third child of any couple from voting in elections has triggered controversy and debate on the social media.
Ramdev said such a rule would encourage Indians to stick to a ‘two-child policy', aiding population control.
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Addressing reporters in Haridwar in Northern India on Sunday, the yoga guru raised concerns related to India's growing population of over 1.3 billion.
"India's population should not be more than 150 crores [1.5 Billion] in the next 50 years as we are not prepared or ready to bear more than that. This is only possible when the government makes a law that third child would not be allowed to vote, neither contest election nor he/she enjoys any type of privileges and facilities given by the government," he said.
Indian parliamentarian Assaduddin Owaisi mocked Ramdev's statement and fielded a jibe at PM Narendra Modi, who was recently elected to serve a second term.
There is no law preventing people from saying downright unconstitutiona things, but why do Ramdev’s ideas receive undue attention?
— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) May 27, 2019
That he can do a thing with his stomach or move about his legs shouldn’t mean @narendramodi lose his right to vote just because he’s the 3rd kid https://t.co/svvZMa4aZy
Other social media users opted to give Ramdev a piece of their mind. One user suggested he "stick to yoga", while another hilariously used a Game of Thrones reference to mock him.
Ze Man should stick to yoga. That’s his only #KRA. #ramdev https://t.co/eXHC1h8PR6
— Mistress of Vices (@cyclopsee) May 26, 2019
So now children should be made illegitimate by the state for no fault of theirs? #Ramdev should reflect on the consequences before making such suggestions
— Somit Makar (@somitmakar) May 26, 2019
However, there were others who agreed that more should be done to tackle rapid population growth in India.
Those who condemn #BabaRamdev
— Vijay R (@veeraa1410) May 27, 2019
should suggest ways to control population We just cannot go on like this
People need to decide they want kids or jobs You cannot have both ways
On population control, I support #BabaRamdev as it is indeed a serious issue https://t.co/BAiu1XZn6j
— shashwat bhandari (@ShashBhandari) May 27, 2019
#babaramdev
— Putul Rani Deb (@MChiley) May 27, 2019
Population must decrease to save the planet. You won't be able to feed and take care of all.
