Congress condemns Shiv Sena MLA's 'Rs 11 lakh reward to cut Rahul Gandhi's tongue' remark

BULDHANA: Accusing Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad of undermining democratic principles, Congress workers vowed to launch statewide protests against him after he announced Rs11 lakh reward to anyone chopping off Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's tongue.
The Buldhana MLA defended his statement claiming that the Congress leader insulted India's reservation system. "Rahul Gandhi's recent statements in the US have exposed the true face of Congress," Gaikwad said."During Lok Sabha elections, he presented a false narrative that the Constitution was under threat if BJP was voted to power. Now, in the US, he suggested that the reservation system charted out by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar will be dismantled. I am ready to face legal consequences, but I stand firm on my statement that whoever cuts his tongue, I will give them Rs 11 lakh."
Based on a complaint by a Congress worker, an FIR was registered against Gaikwad under BNS sections 351(2), 351(4), 192 for criminal intimidation and provocation with intent to cause riots, and 351(3) (criminal intimidation to cause death or injury) at Buldhana City police station.
Objecting to Gaikwad's remarks, state Congress president Nana Patole asked CM Eknath Shinde to rein in Gaikwad, even as Congress legislature party leader Balasaheb Thorat condemned his "irresponsible" statement. "It appears to be a conspiracy to defame Rahul Gandhi," Thorat said. State Congress secretary Jayashree Shelke said, "...Shinde should apologise on behalf of Gaikwad."
State BJP chief Chandrashekar Bawankule distanced the party from Gaikwad's comments. BJP is a constituent of Mahayuti govt. "I will not support or endorse Gaikwad's comments. But, we cannot forget that PM Jawaharlal Nehru had opposed reservations saying it would affect progress. Rajiv Gandhi had said giving reservations means supporting idiots. Now, Rahul Gandhi says he would end reservations. We will sensitise the SCs, STs and OBCs and inform them about their comments...," he said. - Inputs from Mumbai & PTI