Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur is a polarizing figure in Indian politics, known for her association with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), her spiritual persona, and her involvement in high-profile legal cases. As a former Member of Parliament (MP) from Bhopal and a prominent Hindu ascetic, her life has been marked by significant achievements, controversies, and legal battles.
Early Life and Background
Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur was born on February 2, 1970, in Bhind, Madhya Pradesh, India. Raised in a middle-class family, she grew up in an environment steeped in traditional Hindu values. Her father, Chandrapal Singh Thakur, was an Ayurvedic practitioner, and her mother, Sarojini Devi, was a homemaker. Pragya was the youngest of three siblings and displayed an inclination toward spirituality and nationalism from a young age.
She pursued her education in Lahore, Bhind, completing her schooling at a local institution. Later, she earned a Master’s degree in History from Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya in Indore. During her college years, Pragya became actively involved with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which shaped her ideological leanings toward Hindutva and nationalism.
Pragya adopted the title of Sadhvi (a female ascetic) after embracing a spiritual life, dedicating herself to Hindu religious practices and advocacy. Her ascetic persona, combined with her fiery oratory skills, made her a prominent figure in right-wing circles.
Political Career
Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur’s political journey gained prominence when she joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Her entry into mainstream politics was marked by her candidacy in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Contesting against Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh, she secured a resounding victory with a margin of over 3.64 lakh votes, showcasing her strong appeal among voters.
As an MP, Pragya focused on issues like Hindu culture, nationalism, and development in her constituency. However, her tenure was overshadowed by health issues, legal battles, and controversial statements, which often put her at odds with her party leadership and the public.
In 2024, the BJP decided not to field Pragya for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, replacing her with Alok Sharma, a former mayor of Bhopal. This decision was reportedly influenced by her controversial remarks and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s disapproval of her statements, particularly those praising Nathuram Godse, the assassin of Mahatma Gandhi. Pragya herself acknowledged that certain statements might have displeased Modi, stating, “He had told me I will not be forgiven.”
Recent News (2024–2025)
Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur has remained in the headlines due to her ongoing legal battles and public appearances. Here are some key updates:
- Malegaon Blast Case Developments: Pragya is a prime accused in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast, which killed six people and injured over 100 near a mosque in Malegaon, Maharashtra. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) identified her as the owner of the motorcycle used in the blast. In 2024, she faced multiple bailable warrants for failing to appear in court, citing health issues such as typhoid, high fever, and abdominal pain. In November 2024, she was hospitalized, sharing images of her swollen face on social media, alleging mistreatment during her incarceration. The NIA court is expected to deliver its verdict on July 31, 2025, with the prosecution seeking convictions for Pragya and six others under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
- Religious Event in Malegaon: In March 2025, the Bombay High Court permitted a religious event in Malegaon organized by Sakal Hindu Samaj, where Pragya was an invitee. The event, titled Virat Hindu Sant Sammelan, was held on March 30, 2025, coinciding with Gudi Padwa.
- Health Concerns: Pragya’s health has been a recurring issue, with her lawyers frequently citing medical conditions like spinal issues and vision problems to seek exemptions from court appearances. In December 2024, her lawyer submitted a medical certificate stating she was undergoing treatment for typhoid and other ailments. Critics, however, have questioned her health claims, especially after a 2021 video surfaced showing her playing kabaddi, despite being granted bail on medical grounds.
Controversies
Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur’s career is riddled with controversies, many of which have drawn sharp criticism from political opponents and the public:
- Praise for Nathuram Godse: In May 2019, Pragya sparked outrage by calling Nathuram Godse, Mahatma Gandhi’s assassin, a “true patriot.” This statement drew condemnation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who said, “I will never forgive Pragya Thakur for insulting Mahatma Gandhi.” The BJP distanced itself from her remarks, and she was later dropped from a parliamentary committee.
- Remarks on Hemant Karkare: During a public meeting, Pragya claimed she had cursed Hemant Karkare, the former Maharashtra ATS chief, who was killed in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. She alleged that Karkare tortured her during her interrogation in the Malegaon case and that his death was a result of her curse. These remarks led to a police complaint under IPC sections for promoting enmity and outraging religious feelings.
- Cow Urine Claim: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pragya claimed that cow urine extract could protect against the virus and lung infections. This unscientific assertion was widely criticized, adding to her list of controversial statements.
- Pathan Movie Controversy: In December 2022, Pragya called for a boycott of the Bollywood movie Pathan, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, alleging it insulted Hindu sentiments. She urged Hindus to “break the face” of those disrespecting saffron.
- Hijab and Violence Remarks: In April 2022, Pragya made inflammatory comments about the Hijab controversy and violence during Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti, suggesting that Muslims should “go to Pakistan” and that Hindus should keep weapons at home.
Relationship with Sunil Joshi
Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur’s alleged association with Sunil Joshi, a key figure in the Malegaon blast case, has been a subject of intense scrutiny. Joshi, a former RSS pracharak and suspected member of right-wing extremist groups, was reportedly involved in planning the 2008 Malegaon blast. According to the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Pragya and Joshi were closely linked, with Joshi allegedly using her motorcycle for the attack.
The ATS chargesheet claimed that Pragya and Joshi shared ideological alignment and were part of a network promoting Hindu nationalist activities. However, Pragya has consistently denied any direct involvement in the blast or a personal relationship with Joshi beyond ideological camaraderie. Joshi was murdered in December 2007 under mysterious circumstances, before the Malegaon blast occurred, adding complexity to the investigation.
In 2017, the Bombay High Court granted Pragya bail, noting that “prima facie, no case was made out against her” in the Malegaon case, though the trial continues. The prosecution has not provided conclusive evidence of a personal relationship between Pragya and Joshi, and her defense maintains that the allegations are politically motivated.
Top 10 Interesting Facts About Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur
- Spiritual Transformation: Pragya adopted the title “Sadhvi” after embracing a life of asceticism, focusing on Hindu spiritual practices.
- ABVP Roots: She was an active member of the ABVP during her college years, which laid the foundation for her political career.
- Malegaon Blast Accused: She is a prime accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, linked to the motorcycle used in the attack.
- Political Debut: In her first parliamentary election in 2019, she defeated Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh by a massive margin.
- Controversial Statements: Her remarks on Nathuram Godse and Hemant Karkare have drawn widespread criticism.
- Health Issues: Pragya has cited multiple health problems, including spinal issues and typhoid, to seek court exemptions.
- Bail on Medical Grounds: She was granted bail in 2017 on medical grounds but faced criticism after being seen playing kabaddi in 2021.
- BJP Ticket Denial: The BJP dropped her from the 2024 Lok Sabha election list, reportedly due to her controversial remarks.
- Religious Events: She remains a sought-after figure at Hindu religious gatherings, such as the 2025 Virat Hindu Sant Sammelan.
- Social Media Presence: Pragya uses platforms like X to share updates, including health-related posts that have gone viral.
FAQs About Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur
1. Who is Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur?
Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur is a former BJP MP from Bhopal, a Hindu ascetic, and a key accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case.
Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur is a former BJP MP from Bhopal, a Hindu ascetic, and a key accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case.
2. What is the Malegaon blast case?
The 2008 Malegaon blast was a terrorist attack in Maharashtra that killed six people. Pragya is accused of owning the motorcycle used in the blast.
The 2008 Malegaon blast was a terrorist attack in Maharashtra that killed six people. Pragya is accused of owning the motorcycle used in the blast.
3. Why was Pragya denied a BJP ticket in 2024?
The BJP dropped her due to her controversial statements, including praising Nathuram Godse, which displeased PM Narendra Modi.
The BJP dropped her due to her controversial statements, including praising Nathuram Godse, which displeased PM Narendra Modi.
4. What is her relationship with Sunil Joshi?
Pragya is alleged to have had ideological ties with Sunil Joshi, a co-accused in the Malegaon blast case, but no personal relationship has been proven.
Pragya is alleged to have had ideological ties with Sunil Joshi, a co-accused in the Malegaon blast case, but no personal relationship has been proven.
5. What are her recent health issues?
In 2024, Pragya was hospitalized for typhoid and other ailments, which she cited to seek exemptions from court appearances.
In 2024, Pragya was hospitalized for typhoid and other ailments, which she cited to seek exemptions from court appearances.
Conclusion
Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur remains a complex and controversial figure in Indian politics. From her spiritual beginnings to her political rise and legal battles, her journey reflects the intersection of religion, nationalism, and controversy. While her supporters view her as a champion of Hindu values, her critics point to her inflammatory remarks and alleged involvement in the Malegaon blast case. As the NIA court’s verdict looms in July 2025, her future remains uncertain, but her impact on India’s political landscape is undeniable.
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