In a sharp political exchange, former BJP MP Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur has ignited controversy by questioning the patriotism of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Speaking to media in Bhopal, she invoked ancient wisdom from Chanakya, declaring that a son born to a foreign woman cannot be a true patriot or fit to govern India.
The Bhopal MP, known for her outspoken views, made the remarks without naming Gandhi directly but clearly targeting his Italian-born mother, Sonia Gandhi. ‘Our society and nation have great thinkers like Chanakya who said something irrefutable: a foreign woman’s son cannot be worthy of ruling and can never be a patriot. This is absolutely certain,’ she asserted.
The statement quickly drew a fierce rebuttal from the Samajwadi Party. Spokesperson Fakhrul Hasan Chand dismissed her claims outright, questioning the need for ‘certificates’ of patriotism from her or her ideological allies. ‘Who needs a certificate from Pragya Singh Thakur? Who needs people with her ideology to decide who is a patriot and who isn’t? The people of this country don’t require such endorsements,’ he fired back.
Chand shifted focus to pressing national issues, urging parties to prioritize youth unemployment, inflation control, and women’s safety over divisive temple-mosque debates. ‘The youth are grappling with joblessness and rising prices. Real politics should deliver employment, curb inflation, and ensure women’s security. India’s progress depends on prosperity, jobs for the young, and economic stability,’ he emphasized.
This latest spat underscores deepening political rifts ahead of key elections, with personal attacks overshadowing policy discussions. As rhetoric heats up, voters remain focused on bread-and-butter concerns that could sway the polls.