Some politicians shy about birth control issues: V-P Naidu

New Delhi: Some politicians feel shy about promoting the idea of family planning because of a belief that population control may lead to "vote control", Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said on Tuesday.

Calling for a debate and a broad political consensus on the issue of birth control, he also stressed the need for incentives to encourage the people to adopt family planning measures.

"Somehow, our politicians are also feeling a little shy about cooperation (in) family planning. Population control means votes control ho jayega, aisa bhi kuch logon ka maanna hai (Some people believe that population control may also lead to vote control)," the Vice President said at an event to launch the 'India state-level disease burden' report. Health Minister J P Nadda was present at the event. Naidu also stressed the need to educate people on preventive measures to check diseases, and said lifestyles had to change for better health.