New Delhi: Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad has ignited a major controversy after a video of him offering ₹11 lakh to anyone who chops off Congress leader Rahul Gandhis tongue went viral on social media. Gaikwad made these inflammatory comments while criticizing Gandhi for his stance on abolishing the reservation system.Gaikwad claimed that Rahul Gandhis recent statements about scrapping reservations during his US visit revealed the true intentions of the Congress party. Rahul Gandhi has shown his anti-reservation mindset. I will reward anyone who cuts off his tongue with ₹11 lakh, Gaikwad said in the viral video. The Shiv Sena leader also slammed Gandhi for betraying communities like the Marathas, Dhangars, and OBCs, who have long fought for reservations. He accused the Congress of attempting to roll back progress and dismantle benefits crucial to these communities.Congress leaders condemn Gaikwads remarksCongress leaders swiftly reacted to Gaikwads statements, demanding strict action. Maharashtra legislative assembly leader of opposition, Vijay Wadettiwar, labeled Gaikwads comments as “nonsense,” calling for legal action against him. Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe added, “Gaikwad doesnt deserve a place in society or politics. We expect the Home Minister to file charges of culpable homicide against him.”Meanwhile, BJP distanced itself from the controversy. BJP president Chandrashekar Bawankule rejected Gaikwads remarks but reminded the public of Congresss history with reservations, citing previous statements by Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajiv Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi regarding their opposition to reservations.
