The Hindutva leader links nationhood with religion and population fears
SAHARANPUR – A controversial remark by Hindutva leader Sadhvi Prachi at a religious convention in Saharanpur on Tuesday has triggered strong reactions from the Muslim community and civil rights activists, who said the statement fuels fear and questions the equal place of Muslims in the country.
Speaking at a convention held at Shri Vishnu Mandir in Madhu Nagar, Sadhvi Prachi said, “Whoever feels unsafe in India should go to Pakistan.” Her words were greeted with applause by some in the audience, but were later criticised by Muslim leaders and social groups as hostile and exclusionary.
Sadhvi Prachi said the programme was part of activities linked to the centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). She spoke about what she called five guiding ideas — social harmony, family awareness, care for the environment, self-awareness, civic duty, and Swadeshi — and said these should be followed in personal life.
She claimed that “every Hindu considers the problems of the country as his own” and claimed that the Hindu population was declining. “We should protect our India together, but our population should not decrease. The number of Hindus is decreasing day by day,” she said.
Referring to political slogans, she said, “The Congress raised the slogan “Hum Do Hamaray Do” which Hindus accepted. People of other communities said it then and are saying “Hum Do Hamaray Do Dozen” now. Their thinking is different.’
On India’s Partition, Sadhvi Prachi said the country was divided on religious lines and claimed Muslims had refused to live with Hindus. “India was a Hindu nation, is a Hindu nation and will remain a Hindu nation. Whoever feels unsafe should leave India,” she said.
Muslim leaders in Saharanpur strongly rejected the remarks. AIMIM state president Shaukat Ali said the statement was dangerous and unfair. “Indian Muslims did not come from outside. We are born here. This country belongs to us as much as to anyone else,” he said. “Telling citizens to go to another country is against the Constitution.”
Local Muslims said such statements make ordinary people anxious. “I was born here, my parents were born here, and we have lived peacefully with our neighbours for decades,” said Imran Khan, a shopkeeper from Saharanpur. “When leaders say things like this, it makes us feel targeted for no reason.”
Legal experts also pointed to constitutional principles. Advocate Farah Naqvi said, “India’s Constitution does not link citizenship with religion. Remarks suggesting that a section of citizens should leave the country go against the idea of equal rights.”
Social activists warned that repeated statements of this kind damage social peace. “These comments single out Muslims and paint them as outsiders,” said social worker Abdul Rahman. “Such talk creates mistrust and fear, even when people on the ground want harmony.”
Opposition leaders said the focus should be on jobs, education, and public safety for all citizens. “India’s strength lies in its diversity,” said a Congress leader from western Uttar Pradesh. “Any attempt to divide people on religious lines harms the nation.”
Indian Muslim organisations said they remain committed to the country. “We believe in the Constitution and in peaceful coexistence,” said a statement from a local Muslim group. “Our loyalty to India does not need certificates from anyone.”
The incident has once again brought attention to the impact of polarising speeches at public meetings, especially in sensitive times. Many residents in Saharanpur said they hope leaders across communities will speak responsibly and respect the dignity and rights of every Indian citizen.
