Opposition seeks hate speech charge against BJP's Pragya Thakur over 'knife' remark

Thakur, while addressing a programme in Shivamogga (Karnataka) on Sunday, said Hindus have the right to respond to those who attack them and their dignity

The Opposition on Tuesday demanded registration of case of hate speech against terror-accused BJP MP Pragya Thakur for her "keep your knives sharpened" remarks, saying whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi approves it or is it a part of a "careful strategy" of letting the fringe indulge in polarisation.

Congress General Secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh said it was a "textbook case" of hate speech and that she "can and must be prosecuted".

Also Read | Time for retaliation, not sacrifice: Pragya Thakur

Senior Congress Rajya Sabha MP and prominent lawyer Abhishek Singhvi tweeted, "can we expect Modi-ji to cry another river after Pragya Thakur's horrendous public speech spreading hate and enmity or is this part of a careful strategy of letting the fringe do its job to polarise".

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said she was "not shocked that a BJP MP openly calls for genocide of muslims and exhorts her followers to sharpen their knives. In Kashmir, merely stating the obvious and truth invites UAPA but the government will conveniently ignore her statements since this appeals to their mass base".

Also Read | 'Kattar paapi parivaar': BJP slams Congress as most corrupt family in Indian politics

Speaking at a function in Karnataka's Shivamogga on Sunday, Thakur made provocative remarks against a community and said, "keep weapons in your homes, if nothing else, at least knives used to cut vegetables, sharpen it...Don't know what situation will arise when....Everyone has the right to self protection. If someone infiltrates our house and attacks us, giving a befitting reply is our right."

With police claiming that they have not registered a case as there was no complaint, Trinamool Congress national spokesperson Saket Gokhale said he has filed a complaint with Karnataka Police and the Shivamogga Superintendent of Police regarding the "communal hate speech" by the BJP MP.

Tweeting the copy of the complaint, he told the Shivamogga SP, "now the excuse of 'no complaint filed' doesn't exist. You are requested to register an FIR immediately."

Shiv Sena (Thackeray) Rajya Sabha Deputy Leader Priyanka Chaturvedi tweeted, "from 'Goli Maaro to Chaku maaro' (from shoot to stab). Sirf Nafrat Baato for BJP leaders (It is just spreading hatred for BJP leaders)."

Senior BSP MP Danish Ali described Thakur's statement as "irresponsible and dangerous". He said the statement was a "shame and an open invitation to lawlessness and anarchy" while appealing to Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to take cognisance of her remarks and act accordingly.

Congress leader Nagma said, "this woman Pragya Thakur (BJP MP) just doesn't stop spreading hatred with her hate speech when the Prime Minister really decides to speak up on such hate being spread around the country by his own BJP party colleagues. She, even though an MP, should be punished. Why doesn't the police act?"