Kottayam (Kerala) [India]: BJP leader PC George claimed that 400 girls in the Meenachil taluk of Kottayam district were victims of inter-religion marriages, stirring controversy with his remarks on marriage age in Christian families.
Speaking at an anti-drug programme in Pala, PC George stated,
“In Meenachil taluk of Kottayam alone, 400 girls were victims of inter-religion marriages. And out of which only 41 could be brought back.”
Comments on Marriage Age
PC George also addressed the age at which girls should marry, particularly in Christian families, suggesting they should be married by 22 years old.
“Shouldn’t the parents show the decency to get the girls married off when they turn 18 and should keep them only till they are 22 at maximum?” he remarked.
He criticized Christian families for delaying marriages, contrasting it with practices in Muslim families.
“Muslim girls are not studying. Why? They are married off by the time they turn 18. What about us? We keep them unmarried till they are 28-30. We think we can get a share of their earnings. That’s the issue,” he added.
Controversial History
Earlier this year, Erattupetta police registered a case against PC George for allegedly promoting religious hatred and inciting violence during a TV discussion on January 6. He was recently granted bail in a related hate speech case.