Andhra CM Naidu Proposes Rule To Allow Only Candidates With Over 2 Children To Contest Local Polls

Highlighting concerns about plummeting birth rates, Naidu pointed to trends in countries like South Korea, Japan, and parts of Europe, where populations have declined due to low fertility rates.

Chandrababu Naidu argued that this move would address the declining population and encourage families to have more children.

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Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has stirred debate with his proposal to allow only individuals with more than two children to contest local body elections. Naidu argued that this move would address the declining population and encourage families to have more children.

Speaking to reporters in Naravaripalle, Naidu said, as per PTI, "At one time, individuals with many children were not allowed to contest the panchayat (election) or local bodies. Now what I am saying is that individuals with lower numbers of children cannot contest. You will be a sarpanch, municipal councillor, corporation chairman or a mayor only if you have more than two children,"

Highlighting concerns about plummeting birth rates, Naidu pointed to trends in countries like South Korea, Japan, and parts of Europe, where populations have declined due to low fertility rates. He emphasised that India must not repeat their mistakes.

“Older generations had four to five children, but today’s generation has reduced it to one or none. Some couples are adopting the double income no kids (DINK) concept, prioritizing enjoyment over family,” Naidu remarked.

"Even smarter people now are saying double income no kids let us enjoy. If their parents had thought like them, they would not have come into this world," he added.

The TDP leader noted that while India enjoys a demographic dividend with a youthful population, this advantage will fade by 2047, leading to an aging society. “After 2047, there will be more old people…if less than two children are given birth (per woman), then the population will reduce. If you (each woman) give birth to more than two children, then the population will increase," Naidu had said.

Even last year in October, CM Naidu urged Andhra people to have more children while addressing about ageing population in the southern states.