Samik calls for population control measures in West Bengal
The Statesman | 1 June 2026
West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya indicated that the BJP government in the state may consider population control measures, urging the administration to take steps to regulate the state’s growing population.
Speaking at the launch of a cervical cancer vaccination programme at Bidhannagar Hospital on Saturday, Bhattacharya said: “The state government should make family planning a priority and consider launching a flagship campaign to promote birth control and population management.”
Referring to the 1990 Bantala incident in which health officials were attacked while returning from a vaccination programme, Bhattacharya said health campaigns in the past had faced resistance due to religious orthodoxy.
“There was a time when health workers faced obstacles while administering polio vaccines. Because of fanatical propaganda, we could not completely eradicate several diseases. The government has just been formed and the health minister will take oath in the coming days. I am hopeful that Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has already connected with the emotions of the people and taken a series of exemplary decisions. He will also try to control West Bengal’s growing population,” he said.
Recalling the gang rape and murder case involving health officials in Bantala 34 years ago, he said family planning should be made mandatory in a healthy and progressive society.
“Family planning must be made compulsory in a healthy and normal society. If necessary, the government should launch a flagship project and undertake a mass awareness campaign on birth control. The pressure of the population on land must be reduced. Family planning is essential for women’s empowerment as well as educational, social and economic development,” he added.
Bhattacharya appealed to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to consider population control measures, claiming that such initiatives were urgently required in the state.
The BJP state president also asserted that the new government would provide healthcare services to all citizens irrespective of community.
“This government is not for any particular community. It is committed to providing healthcare services to all 10-crore people of West Bengal,” he said.
Sending a message to doctors and healthcare workers, Bhattacharya said the government would function independently and would not allow political interference in administrative decisions, including transfers of medical personnel.