Navneet Rana Controversy: BJP Leader Urges Hindus to Have 4 Children

BJP leader and former MP Navneet Rana has ignited a fresh political storm in Maharashtra following her provocative remarks regarding India's demographic balance. Speaking at a public event in Amravati, Rana urged the Hindu community to increase their birth rate, suggesting that families should have three to four children to counter what she described as a threat to the nation's identity.

The "Population Formula" Controversy

The controversy began on Tuesday when Rana referenced a viral video of a religious leader who allegedly claimed to have 19 children. Using this as a springboard, Rana questioned why Hindu families are increasingly opting for single-child households.

"I appeal to all Hindus that if they are giving birth to 19 children, then we should give birth to 3 to 4 children in India. Why should we be satisfied with only one child? They are on the path to turn India into Pakistan, and we must remain vigilant," — Navneet Rana, BJP Leader.

#WATCH | Amravati, Maharashtra: BJP leader Navneet Rana says, "... I appeal to all the Hindus that if they (Muslims) are giving birth to 19 children, then we should give birth to 3 to 4 children in India. They are on the path to turn India into Pakistan..." (23.12) pic.twitter.com/ur3QHeJZyG

— ANI (@ANI) December 24, 2025

Political and Social Context

Rana’s statements come at a time of heightened political rhetoric in the state. During her speech, she also touched upon several other polarizing topics:

The "Pakistan" Comparison: She claimed that certain elements are working to alter India's fundamental character, echoing sentiments often used in "demographic shift" debates.

Nationalism and Religious Identity: She referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent ceremonial events in Ayodhya (November 2025) and invoked Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s slogan, "Batenge toh katenge" (If divided, we will fall), to emphasize Hindu unity.

Response to Critics: Opposition leaders have condemned the remarks as "regressive" and "inflammatory," accusing the leader of attempting to polarize the electorate ahead of local body elections.

A History of Bold Rhetoric

This is not the first time Navneet Rana has been at the center of a communal or political firestorm.

• Hanuman Chalisa Row: In 2022, she and her husband, MLA Ravi Rana, were arrested for attempting to recite the Hanuman Chalisa outside the then-CM Uddhav Thackeray’s residence.
• Caste Certificate Battle: Her political career has also been marked by a long legal battle over her caste certificate, which was ultimately upheld by the Supreme Court in April 2024.
• 2024 Election Defeat: After losing her Amravati seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections to the Congress, Rana has remained a vocal and active figure in the BJP’s regional strategy.

Looking Ahead

While Navneet Rana maintains that her comments are about "preserving culture," social scientists and population experts have warned that such rhetoric ignores the economic realities of modern India and the success of national family planning initiatives that have seen fertility rates drop across all communities.