"Give birth to lots of children, PM Modi will build houses": Babulal Kharadi

Rajasthan's tribal development minister, Babulal Kharadi, has stirred controversy with his recent remarks at a public meeting in Udaipur.

"It is a dream of the prime minister that no one should sleep hungry and without a roof over their head. You give birth to lots of children. Pradhan mantriji will build your houses, then what is the problem?" Kharadi said.

Despite the audience's laughter, Kharadi defended the statement, highlighting the recent reduction in LPG cylinder prices by ₹200 and the availability of cylinders under the Ujjwala Scheme for ₹450 in Rajasthan.

The controversial statement was made in the presence of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, causing a reaction from the audience and raising eyebrows among fellow leaders on the stage. Babulal Kharadi, elected for the fourth time in the 2023 assembly polls from Jhadol constituency, has eight children and resides with his family in Neechla Thala village, Udaipur.

While Kharadi's comments have sparked a row, they reflect his perspective on the government's commitment to housing and social welfare, particularly for those with larger families.