Former BJP MP Sadhvi Pragya Thakur has stirred a hornet’s nest with her controversial assertion that a child of a foreign woman cannot embody patriotism or helm the country’s leadership. The Bhopal leader drew from Chanakya’s ancient precepts to underscore her point, implicitly aiming at Congress scion Rahul Gandhi.
In a candid media interaction, Thakur was unequivocal: ‘Great minds like Chanakya in our culture have affirmed this truth—a son from a foreign mother is unfit for rule and devoid of true patriotism. It’s a certainty beyond doubt.’ Her words resonate with cultural purists but have fueled accusations of dynasty-baiting.
The riposte came swiftly from Samajwadi Party’s Fakhrul Hasan Chand, who branded the remarks irrelevant. ‘Who cares for Pragya Singh Thakur’s patriotism certificate? Her ilk has no authority to judge others’ loyalty. Indians don’t need lessons from such voices,’ he declared.
Chand pivoted to core challenges, decrying distractions like religious site disputes. ‘Our young face unemployment and inflation head-on. Political agendas should zero in on jobs, affordable living, and fortified women safety. National growth hinges on happy citizens, employed youth, and tamed prices—not peripheral fights,’ he stressed.
This verbal duel exemplifies the escalating war of words in India’s fractious political arena. While Thakur’s traditionalist rhetoric rallies supporters, critics see it as divisive. Ultimately, public sentiment may favor leaders addressing economic woes over heritage-based attacks.