'Controversy king' Sakshi Maharaj booked for population remark, EC also seeks report

Los Angeles : BJP MP from Unnao Sakshi Maharaj has been known for making controversial statements. One such remark on Saturday put him in trouble again for allegedly inciting communal tensions.

Now, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Uttar Pradesh has sought a report from the district administration. 

UP Chief Electoral Officer T Venkatesh informed, “A detailed report has been sought from the Meerut district administration after taking cognizance of the reports received through different media.”

Meerut Police has also lodged an FIR against the MP on charges of promoting enmity on ground of religion and caste.

Sadar Bazar police station SHO Pankaj Pant said, “The FIR against BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj and one other has been filed under IPC sections 153-B, 295 A, 188, 505(3), 298 for making derogatory remarks against a particular community and also under the section of violation of the model code of conduct.”

The alleged communal remarks were made by Sakshi Maharaj at a religious event in Meerut on Friday. 

 Targeting the minority community, Maharaj at a sant sammelan in Meerut, said, “Those with four wives and 40 children are responsible for the population increase in the country. Hindus are not responsible… Strict laws are required… to curb population.” 

He also claimed that the money earned from cattle slaughter was being used to fund terrorism. 

His remarks come in backdrop of Supreme Court's decision of making it illegal to seek votes in the name of religion or caste.

Notably, Uttar Pradesh state Assembly elections 2017 first phase of polling begins on February 11.

Other controversial remarks made by Sakshi Maharaj:

• "Hindu women must produce at least 4 children to 'protect' the religion"
• "Ram temple will be built in Ayodhya under BJP rule"
• "I'm a true Muslim, Prophet Mohammed was a great 'yogi'"
• "When Muslim dies, they give 20 lakh rupees, but Hindu doesn't even get 20 thousand rupees"
• "We are ready to kill and get killed to protect our mother - cow"