In a rather surprising move, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin are encouraging people to have more children to boost their states' populations.
Chandrababu even announced incentives for couples who bear more children, raising eyebrows across the country.
At a time when India is grappling with overpopulation and its associated challenges - such as unemployment, resource depletion, and infrastructure strain - this stance seems both unusual and impractical.
Critics argue that Naidu’s real motive is to increase Andhra Pradesh’s population to secure more MP seats in Parliament, thereby amplifying his political influence.
Similarly, Stalin's push for higher birth rates raises concerns about the long-term economic and social impact of such policies.
With states already struggling to provide adequate healthcare, education, and employment, prioritizing population growth over development seems misguided.
Instead of addressing pressing governance issues, both leaders appear fixated on demographic expansion for political leverage.
Given India's existing population concerns, such strategies could prove counterproductive. The focus should be on sustainable development, not merely increasing numbers for political gain.
Before urging the public to have more children, shouldn't Chandrababu and Stalin first encourage their own party members, cabinet ministers, and families to do the same?
Of course not - their focus is solely on the common people, whom they believe can be easily influenced. If the public follows their advice, they will struggle with financial hardships while raising more children, ultimately worsening their living conditions.
Meanwhile, Chandrababu and Stalin stand to gain political prominence without bearing any of the consequences.
