Former Bhopal MP and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur has once again given a controversial statement regarding ‘Love Jihad’. He said that incidents like “Love Jihad” are increasing in the country and Hindu society should now stand united against it.
Speaking at an event organized in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, Sadhvi Pragya said –
“Today, love jihad has increased to such an extent that sisters and daughters are being taken away from home. The daughter is being seduced in front of the father, the sister in front of the brother, and the wife in front of the husband. All this is the result of the carelessness and sleeping consciousness of our society.”
He said that this situation is a matter of shame for the Hindu society that daughters are being targeted through conversion and love trap and men are silent. Sadhvi Pragya said that “Now is the time that the followers of Sanatan Dharma should wake up to protect their mother power, because the dignity of religion and society can remain safe only if we ourselves protect it.”
He appealed to the people to “give both values and security to their daughters” so that no one can cheat them in the name of false love. Pragya Thakur said –
“Our mother power itself will now have to wake up. If we are not able to protect our daughters, it will be the biggest crime of our lives.”
In her speech, Sadhvi Pragya gave the example of Chambal region and said that the people there were never afraid and always stood firm to protect their honor. He said, “The one who protects religion and country is a true man. Now is the time for every Hindu to stand up to protect his dignity and religion.”
There has been a stir in political circles after his statement came out. Opposition parties, especially Congress, have described Sadhvi Pragya’s statement as “provocative and divisive”. Congress leaders say that BJP leaders should avoid using such language which spreads tension in the society.
At the same time, BJP supporters have come to the defense of Sadhvi Pragya. He says that he has only said this to make the society aware, there was no intention to target any community.
Social organizations and human rights activists say the term “love jihad” is being used politically to divide the society, while laws already exist that prohibit any form of fraud or conversion.
However, Pragya Thakur says that “this fight is to protect the dignity of religion and mother power, and every Hindu will have to play his role in this.”