In a speech in Siddharthnagar, Raghavendra Pratap Singh promises jobs and arranged marriages for Hindu boys who ‘bring Muslim girls’
SIDDHARTANAGAR – A provocative video of former BJP MLA Raghavendra Pratap Singh from Uttar Pradesh’s Domariyaganj in Siddharthnagar district has gone viral. It shows him exhorting Hindu boys to abduct Muslim girls and promising them jobs and marriage arrangements. The video, reportedly recorded on 16 October during a public meeting in Dhankharpur village, has triggered a wave of condemnation from opposition parties, civil rights activists, and community leaders across Uttar Pradesh.
In the viral footage, the former MLA is seen addressing a crowd, saying: “If Muslim boys take two Hindu girls and convert them to Islam, you take ten Muslim girls. We will bear all the expenses of the marriage and guarantee their safety.”
He further declared: “This is not the time of (Samajwadi Party chief) Akhilesh Yadav or the old governments that used to appease Muslims. This is the era of Yogi Ji (Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath). There is no need to fear. Do whatever you want, we are with you.”
Singh went on to ask young men in the gathering to raise their hands, saying: “I am saying, bring at least ten Muslim girls for two and convert them to Hinduism. We will not accept anything less than ten for two. We will arrange their marriages and also provide jobs to any Hindu boy who brings a Muslim girl.”
The crowd reportedly responded with cheers, and no one from the dais objected to the remarks.
Singh’s speech did not stop there. He continued by alleging that two Hindu girls from Domariyaganj had married Muslim men within a month. He said: “We cannot digest this. Muslims, listen up! The revenge for these two girls is going to be severe. I am hearing mullahs and clerics telling us to stay calm — but this is going to happen in the coming days.”
Declaring himself a follower of Chief Minister Adityanath, he said: “People used to call Domariyaganj a mini-Pakistan. Since Yogi Ji became chief minister, the terror of these people has subsided. Earlier, Hindus lived in hiding, and daughters-in-law were not safe. This is Yogi Ji’s government; I am his soldier. Prepare yourselves, we are with you.”
The Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee reacted sharply, calling the remarks “disgraceful and dangerous”.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the party wrote: “This shameful statement by former BJP MLA Raghavendra Pratap Singh in a public meeting shows how BJP leaders are spreading hatred in the name of religion, dividing society, and misleading unemployed youth. This is the true face of BJP’s politics today.”
Several opposition leaders demanded Singh’s arrest under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code related to hate speech, criminal conspiracy, and promoting enmity between communities.
Social activists and Muslim organisations have expressed deep concern over the incident, saying such rhetoric could lead to communal violence and endanger lives.
A human rights worker from Lucknow said: “When a public representative openly calls for abducting Muslim women, it sends a dangerous message. The police must act immediately. Hate speech cannot be tolerated from anyone, especially from those who have held public office.”
A local resident of Siddharthnagar, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “People are scared. Words like these create fear among Muslim families. Everyone is asking whether the government will take action or stay silent.”
As of now, the Uttar Pradesh Police have not issued any official statement regarding the viral video or whether an FIR (First Information Report) has been filed. Local journalists said the authorities were “reviewing the video”, but no concrete steps had been taken even days after it surfaced.
The silence from law enforcement has angered civil groups and opposition parties, who say the lack of action sends a message of impunity to those spreading hatred.
A retired police officer commented: “If an ordinary citizen made such remarks, he would be arrested within hours. The same law should apply to everyone.”
The incident is the latest in a series of controversial remarks by politicians and public figures in BJP-ruled states targeting Muslims. Analysts say that such comments often increase hostility on the ground and embolden vigilante groups.
Political observers note that repeated incidents of hate speech are eroding social harmony and undermining public trust in law enforcement.
A political analyst from Gorakhpur said: “Every time such speeches go unpunished, it normalises hate. It also distracts people from real issues like unemployment and inflation. The government must decide whether it stands for the Constitution or for hate politics.”
Community leaders warn that remarks encouraging the abduction or conversion of women from any faith are not only immoral but also illegal. They say such statements violate laws protecting women, minorities, and social peace.
A cleric from Siddharthnagar remarked: “This country belongs to everyone — Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, or Christian. Politicians must not poison young minds with hatred. We appeal to the administration to maintain peace and punish those who try to divide us.”
The video of Raghavendra Pratap Singh’s speech has once again highlighted the rising use of communal language in public discourse. As the footage continues to spread online, citizens across India are demanding that authorities take swift and impartial action to uphold the rule of law and protect social harmony.
While the former MLA’s remarks have provoked anger and fear, they also underline a deeper question about the responsibility of political leaders and the need for accountability in preserving India’s pluralistic values.
