Pala (Kottayam): Courting controversies has become a part of political life of BJP leader PC George. On Monday, he sparked yet another controversy when he advised Christians to marry off their daughters before they turn 24, citing the increasing incidents of "Love Jihad" in Kerala. This provocative statement was made during a seminar on drug abuse organized by the KCBS in Pala. Just a couple of weeks ago, George had been granted bail in connection with a case of hate speech.

"In Meenachil Taluk alone, we have lost 400 girls due to Love Jihad. Of these, we have managed to rescue 41. Just yesterday, a 25-year-old girl ran away from home around 9:30 PM. We are still trying to locate her. My question is, why should her father wait until she’s 25? Why not marry her off earlier? In my opinion, the father deserves a good scolding for this. This is a serious issue we need to address," George remarked.

"When a girl turns 22 or 23, shouldn't she be married off? Shouldn’t we show respect to these girls? When I was 25, I felt joy seeing girls, but at that age, a girl wouldn’t feel the same way about men, would she? That’s the reality. Ignoring this fact doesn’t help. By the time a girl turns 28 or 29, if she has a decent job, she may not be interested in marriage. That salary can be used by the family for other things. That’s the problem. Christians should marry off their daughters before they turn 24," he added.

Earlier, a case had been filed against P.C. George for his hate-filled remarks made during a TV channel discussion. Although the court remanded him for 14 days due to health concerns, he was admitted to the Kottayam Medical College Hospital for treatment. The Erattupetta Magistrate Court later granted him bail, considering his health condition.