CM Chandrababu Naidu Considers New Election Law to Encourage Larger Families in Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced plans for legislation that would permit only individuals with more than two children to contest local body elections. This comes after the government recently repealed a previous law that prohibited those with more than two children from running for office.

Speaking at a gathering in Amaravati, Naidu emphasised the importance of sustaining the demographic dividend beyond 2047 and encouraged people to abandon family planning in favour of larger families. He asserted that the population should be regarded as an asset rather than a burden.

Reflecting on past policies, he acknowledged his previous support for population control measures, stating, “The need of that time was different.”

Naidu pointed out a current population growth deficit of 0.4% in the state, with an average growth rate of 1.6%. He warned that continued declines could lead to a demographic crisis similar to those facing Europe, China, and Japan, which are grappling with ageing populations. “We need to increase our population,” he stressed, eliciting laughter from the audience.

This is not the first instance of Naidu advocating for larger families in South India; he expressed similar concerns during a grama sabha in Konaseema district in August and announced intentions to introduce legislation that would restrict individuals with fewer children from holding office.