Former BJP MP Pragya Thakur Calls for Violence Against Minorities at Bhopal VHP Event

Her address incorporated political criticism as well.

Bhopal:

Former Bhopal BJP MP, Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, has ignited controversy with inflammatory statements at a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) gathering in Bhopal's Chhola Mandir area. While speaking at the Durga Vahini's Path Sanchalan ceremony, Thakur explicitly encouraged Hindu women to possess weapons, maintain their sharpness, and be ready to "cut enemies in half" should they breach their homes.

During her provocative address, Thakur declared to the assembled women and girls, "Yes, I said you should keep weapons in your homes. Keep them sharp. When our daughters are abducted and their bodies thrown on the road, it causes immense pain. To release that pain, when the enemy comes, they should be cut in half."

The former parliamentarian, who was recently cleared in the Malegaon blast case, proceeded to advocate for economic and social isolation of minorities. She further remarked that any non-Hindu found selling prasad near temples should be physically assaulted.

Thakur additionally accused minorities of engaging in "love jihad" and claimed, "they trap Hindu women by deceit, even exploiting familial relationships such as Raksha Bandhan. She urged women to make a commitment: "Don't let non-believers enter your homes. We will neither eat nor buy anything from them. These small pledges are very big for protecting society."

Her speech also contained political criticisms. Without directly naming Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, Thakur described him as a person of "poor character and conduct" who "sent his clothes to Paris for washing" and "betrayed the country after independence."

These remarks have elicited strong political responses. Madhya Pradesh's Leader of the Opposition, Umang Singhar, described Thakur's statements as "objectionable" and blamed the BJP for fueling communal divisions to distract from fundamental issues.

"The BJP accuses others of playing Hindu-Muslim politics, but its own leaders make such provocative statements from public platforms. Pragya Thakur is a repeat offender. At a time when Madhya Pradesh is grappling with unemployment, inflation, and recruitment scams, the BJP uses such rhetoric to mislead the public," Singhar stated.