A fresh controversy has erupted in Uttar Pradesh after Shaukat Ali, the state president of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), made strong remarks on population growth at a public meeting in Moradabad on 9th February. His statements have drawn sharp reactions from political parties and sparked wide discussion on social media.
BREAKING || AIMIM leader Shaukat Ali stokes controversy with his 'hum do, humare do darzan' shocker.
– 'Have as many kids as possible'@vinod9live shares more details with @swatij14. pic.twitter.com/olqX94Ax6E— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) February 9, 2026
‘Hum do, hamare do dozen’ slogan from the stage
Addressing the gathering, Shaukat Ali introduced what he called AIMIM’s new slogan, “Hum Do, Hamare Do Dozen.” From the stage, he urged Muslims to have more children, saying this would help in the progress and strength of the country.
He said many people worry about the growing Muslim population, but according to him, a larger population makes a nation stronger. He pointed to China and said its large population is one of the reasons for its global strength.
Children are described as a gift from ‘Allah’
Shaukat Ali told the crowd that children are a blessing from Allah and should be accepted without fear. He said people should continue having children as long as Allah is giving. He also spoke about those who do not have children, saying their situation shows why people should value this blessing. Repeating his point, he said a rising population should not be seen as a problem but as a sign of strength.
‘I have 8 children, my brother has 16’
To support his views, the AIMIM leader spoke about his own family. He said he has eight children, while his elder brother, who has passed away, had 16 children.
Moradabad, UP: AIMIM leader Shaukat Ali says, "…From today, we will raise a slogan: 'We two, our two dozen.' We have 8 children. Our elder brother has 16 children. Our mother is 97 years old, and at least 72 grandchildren are young. Why are people worried about our numbers?… pic.twitter.com/RQgav76hhc
— IANS (@ians_india) February 9, 2026
He added that his mother is 97 years old and has around 72 grandchildren, many of whom are young and tall. Questioning the panic over population, he said the same people who speak about population control also advise Hindu families to have more children too. He went on to say that even having 14 children would strengthen the country.
Ali also added that some Hindu leaders who never married themselves are advising other Hindus to have 4 children. Ali stated, “Why 4? We ask our Hindu brothers to produce 14 children, because it will help make the country stronger. But the leaders who advise others should first themselves get married and produce children.”
Remarks on Congress-era riots
During his speech, Shaukat Ali also spoke about the riots that took place since Independence, especially during Congress governments. He said that out of around 50,000 riots, nearly 90 % involved Muslims as victims. He claimed that about 2.25 lakh Muslims were killed after Independence and said these facts should be looked at by those who speak about justice and governance.
Attack on Samajwadi Party leaders
The AIMIM leader also targeted the Samajwadi Party. He named former cabinet minister and Kanth MLA Kamal Akhtar and said he was involved in liquor sales in Moradabad. He added that many people know who runs places like the Ghazal Bar.
Shaukat Ali said that SP leaders themselves are linked to the liquor business, yet they accuse AIMIM of being the BJP’s B-team.
Claims on mob lynching and Muslim safety
Raising concerns about law and order, Shaukat Ali spoke about mob lynching and the safety of Muslims. He claims violence is being carried out by provoking mobs and claimed that even women linked to Hindu organisations have started misbehaving with Muslims. He claimed Muslim girls are facing public harassment, including the forced removal of their hijabs.
Madrasas and fear among the community
Shaukat Ali also spoke about madrasas in Moradabad. He said several hundred madrasas have expanded over the years, but they continue to be branded as centres of terrorism.
He claimed that around 100 madrasas have been closed in the district, which has increased fear among the community. He added that Muslims now feel unsafe even while travelling by train or bus and said beards are being pulled in public.