Former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament Pragya Singh Thakur has sparked widespread controversy following her remarks at a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) event in Bhopal ahead of Navratri. Thakur urged Hindu devotees to form groups to monitor vendors selling prasad near temples, particularly objecting to non-Hindu sellers, and advocated for keeping weapons at home for self-defense.
Thakur stated, “If you find outsiders selling prasad near temples, thrash them as much as possible. We will neither buy from them nor allow them to sell or even enter our temples.” She further advised devotees to keep weapons sharp at home. These comments have drawn strong criticism from political leaders, civil society organizations, and human rights groups, who argue that they constitute incitement to violence and promote communal disharmony.
The remarks have prompted heated debates on religious practices, community safety, and the limits of free speech in India. Political parties have responded strongly, with the opposition demanding legal action, including possible charges under provisions of the Indian Penal Code relating to hate speech and promoting enmity between groups. Critics warn that such statements risk exacerbating communal tensions, while supporters have defended Thakur’s right to express her views.
This is not the first time Thakur has courted controversy over similar remarks. In December 2022, she had urged Hindus to keep knives sharp at home, claiming it was necessary to protect their dignity. That statement had also led to widespread criticism and legal complaints.
Thakur’s latest remarks have once again reignited the sensitive conversation on balancing freedom of expression, religious sentiment, and public safety in India. The debate continues to unfold across political, social, and legal spheres, with close attention on how authorities respond to the implications of her statements.
