Congress leader Jairam Ramesh expressed strong condemnation on Tuesday regarding BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur’s remarks made during an event in Shivamogga, Karnataka. Ramesh categorized Thakur’s statements as clear instances of hate speech and announced his intention to take the matter to the Supreme Court, citing a perceived reluctance of the local Karnataka police, under BJP governance, to take action.

Ramesh, a former Union minister, asserted that Thakur’s comments aimed at societal division, emphasizing his belief that the state police would not act due to the ruling party’s influence. Thakur’s statements, made at the Hindu Jagarana Vedike’s southern region annual convention, included remarks endorsing the right of Hindus to respond to perceived threats, suggesting the maintenance of sharp knives at home for self-protection.

Thakur, the BJP MP from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, urged the gathering to provide a resolute response to anyone “infiltrating our house.” She also touched upon the controversial concept of “love jihad,” asserting that individuals from other communities engage in love jihad, contrasting it with Hindu love for their gods.

In response to these statements, Jairam Ramesh announced his determination to pursue legal action against Thakur in the Supreme Court, aiming to address what he views as an instance of hate speech that requires judicial intervention.