Monalisa Earlier Selling ‘Rudraksha’, now Reciting ‘Kalma’ : Dr Pravin Togadia

Comment by Dr Pravin Togadia, President of the International Hindu Parishad

(Kalma refers to the foundational testimonies of faith in Islam, teaching there is no God but Allah)

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) – The controversy over Monalisa and Farman marriage is intensifying. Monalisa Bhosale is a resident of Maheshwar in Khargone district. She has married Farman from Kerala and since then she has become a centre of controversy. BJP and other devout Hindu organisations have alleged it as a case of ‘Love Jihad’. Dr Pravin Togadia, the President of International Hindu Parishad stated while talking to reporters that earlier Monalisa used to sell ‘Rudraksha’ and now, she is reciting ‘Kalma,’ which is not right.

No question of bringing back to Hinduism if we don’t let people leave

About re-adoption of Hindu Dharma in case of Monalisa and a few other Hindu young women, Dr Togadia stated that there would be no need to bring back our girls if we wouldn’t allow them to change their Dharma. BJP leader and former minister Usha Thakur accused that the marriage was against the social and cultural values and it was a planned conspiracy. She also felt that such a girl should not be accepted by anyone.

Legal action should be taken if it is a case of cheating – Congress

Congress spokesperson Abhinav Barolia opined that despite BJP rule in the State and at Centre if such accusations of conspiracy were made, impartial inquiry should be conducted in this case. Congress MLA Arif Masood also stated that the woman concerned is an adult and has the right to marry according to her own will; however, if there has been any deception, then action should be taken as per the law.

What is this case ?

Monalisa Bhosale was selling ‘Rudraksha’ strings in ‘Kumbh-Mela’ when her photos became viral on social media on a large scale. It led to her getting a role in a film. Later, she married Farman Khan in Kerala. A few communist leaders attended their wedding. Devout Hindu activists criticised it as a case of ‘Love Jihad’; but Monalisa has refuted all the charges.