Former Bhopal MP Pragya Singh Thakur has sparked outrage with her recent remarks urging parents to physically punish their daughters if they visit the homes of “non-Hindus.” Speaking at a religious event in Bhopal earlier this month, Thakur said parents should “leave no stone unturned” in disciplining daughters who disobey, even suggesting they could break their legs to enforce obedience.
In a video shared on Facebook, Thakur stated, “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, leave no stone unturned in considering 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.” She added that parents’ interventions were meant for the “good future” of their children and to prevent harm.
Thakur also advised parents to remain vigilant toward daughters who might disobey or attempt to leave home, suggesting methods such as scolding, loving guidance, or physical punishment to enforce discipline.
The comments have drawn criticism from the Congress, with spokesperson Bhupendra Gupta accusing the BJP of spreading hatred. He said, “Why is there so much noise and hatred being spread when only seven cases of alleged religious conversions in Madhya Pradesh have resulted in convictions?”
