Launching an indirect attack on BJP's Bhopal Lok Sabha seat candidate Pragya Singh Thakur for her "Nathuram-Godse-is-a-patriot" remark, Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra said the legend of Mahatma Gandhi 'must remain sacred' as he served as a beacon to billions 'when the world lost its morality'.

For 75 yrs,India’s been the land of the Mahatma;a beacon when the world lost its morality.We used to be pitied for being poor but we were always rich since Bapu inspired billions globally.Some things must remain sacred.Or we become the Taliban,destroying statues that sustain us

— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) May 17, 2019

While Mahindra is known for his quick remarks, it's unusual for the Indian businessman to comment on politics, especially during the ongoing general elections.

On Thursday, Thakur ignited a political storm by claiming that Mahatma Gandhi's assassin, Nathuram Godse, was a patriot and will remain one.

BJP has distanced itself from Thakur's comments and asked her to apologise.

"What Pragya Takhur said, BJP does not agree with that. BJP believes in Gandhian socialism, Prime Minister himself has great faith in Gandhian philosophy. We consider Gandhiji as a great man, father of the nation," BJP spokesperson Gopal Krishna Agarwal said.

First Published:May 17, 2019 7:59 AM IST