Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad sparked a major controversy on Monday after a video surfaced in which he offered ₹11 lakh to anyone who “chops off” the tongue of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Gaikwad’s remarks came in response to Gandhi’s statements about scrapping the reservation system, which he made during a recent visit to the US.
In the viral video, Gaikwad criticized Gandhi, saying, “Rahul Gandhi, while abroad, spoke about ending reservations in India. This reveals the true face of Congress… I will reward anyone who cuts off Rahul Gandhi’s tongue with ₹11 lakh.”
Gaikwad accused Gandhi of betraying communities like Marathas, Dhangars, and OBCs, who are fighting for reservations, and labeled his comments as “treachery against the people.”
Congress leaders swiftly condemned Gaikwad’s inflammatory remarks. Maharashtra opposition leader Vijay Wadettiwar called for legal action, while spokesperson Atul Londhe demanded Gaikwad be charged with culpable homicide. Congress MLC Bhai Jagtap also condemned the statements.
The BJP distanced itself from Gaikwad’s comments, with BJP president Chandrashekar Bawankule stating that they did not support the remarks. However, he highlighted past statements made by Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi’s stance on reservations, as part of the ongoing debate on the issue.