At a Virat Hindu Sammelan, far-right leader Sadhvi Saraswati invoked historical grievances and called for militant self-defense. She alleged that “vidharmis” such as Turks and Mughals divided Hindus through a “divide and rule” strategy and warned of similar threats in Bangladesh, Kerala, Kashmir, and Karnataka. Promoting the “love jihad” conspiracy, she claimed Hindu women are being targeted and urged Hindus to arm themselves, stating they should hold a mala in one hand and a bhala in the other. She also encouraged Hindu women to learn to use swords for self-defense.