The Uttar Pradesh government has sought a response by July 19 on the draft of the UP population control bill -- legislation that could have a far-reaching impact on the upcoming elections in the state amidst a debate that the law is targeted at the Muslim population.

The proposed draft suggests that any person having more than two children in Uttar Pradesh would be barred from getting any government subsidy or the benefit of any government-sponsored welfare scheme and cannot apply for a government job, or contest any local body election.