Bharatiya Janata Party MP Sakshi Maharaj, who stirred a controversy by saying Hindu women must have four children to “protect their religion”, on Thursday demanded a law restricting a couple to up to three children: “If those criticising me want to have a law, then a tough law should be made in the nation’s interest allowing only two or three children... And those violating it should be severely punished.”
Refusing to elaborate on his earlier remarks, the BJP MP from Unnao said: “Let bygones be bygones.” However, he clarified that he had made the comments at a spiritual and religious congregation in the presence of Hindu religious leaders: “It was not a political event... If there is a matter to be debated, it should be debated.”
Offering no apology, the BJP leader said: “If I have done anything wrong, hang me. So many people have been hanged for the country... I am also ready to get hanged for the nation.”