Hindutva leader and former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur has sparked fresh controversy after telling parents in Bhopal that they should physically punish daughters who visit the houses of “non‑Hindus.”
At a religious event earlier in October, Thakur urged guardians to make their resolve so strong that they would not hesitate to use force.
In a video circulating online, she said, “Uske taange tod ne ka kasar mat chodna”(don’t spare any effort in breaking her legs).
She added: “Strengthen your mind, and make it so strong that if our daughter does not obey us, if she goes to a non-Hindu’s house, don’t spare any effort in breaking her legs. Those who do not obey the values and do not listen to their parents must be punished. If you have to beat your children for their well-being, do not step back. When parents carry out such acts, it is for the good future of their children; they do not let them die by being cut into pieces.”
Her remarks drew loud cheers from the crowd. Attendees also shouted religious slogans of “Jai Shri Ram.”
Thakur urged parents to be watchful of girls who “do not follow values, do not listen to parents, do not respect elders, and are ready to run away from home.” She told them to stop such girls leaving home by “beating, explaining them, calming them down, loving or scolding them.”
It adds to a record of controversial statements by Thakur. She has previously advised supporters to avoid Muslim‑owned shops. She has also said, “When the enemy comes, they should be cut in half.”