‘Consider breaking legs’: Pragya Thakur’s shocking remark on daughters visiting ‘Non-Hindus’ sparks row

Pragya Singh Thakur

A controversy has erupted over former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur’s remarks urging parents to physically punish daughters who visit the homes of non-Hindus.

Speaking at a religious event in Bhopal earlier this month, Thakur said parents should “break the legs” of daughters who disobey them.

"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," Pragya was quoted as saying by CNN-News18.

Furthermore, she urged parents to stay attentive and keep a close watch on their daughters.

“Be more vigilant toward girls who do not follow family values, who do not listen to their parents, who do not respect elders and seem ready to run away from home. Do not let them leave your homes — stop them whether by beating them, by explaining things to them, by calming them down, by showing them love, or by scolding them,” she added.

Her statement sparked outrage among Opposition leaders and civil society groups, who alleged that she was encouraging hatred and violence.

Congress spokesperson Bhupendra Gupta questioned the motive behind such inflammatory statements.

“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?” he said.