Eknath Shinde's MLA Stirs Controversy With Rs 11 Lakh Reward for Cutting Off Rahul Gandhi’s Tongue

Eknath Shinde ’s Shiv Sena MLA stirred controversy with his provocative statement offering a reward of Rs 11 lakh for anyone who cuts off Congress leader Rahul Gandhi ’s tongue. The Eknath Shinde ’s Shiv Sena MLA’s comments were in response to Rahul Gandhi ’s recent remarks on ending the reservation system in India. Speaking to reporters, Gaikwad condemned Gandhi’s statements made during his recent visit to the United States. “Rahul Gandhi's comments about wanting to end the reservation system reveal the Congress party's true stance on this critical issue,” Gaikwad said. “I will reward anyone who cuts off Rahul Gandhi's tongue with Rs 11 lakh,” he added, describing Gandhi’s remarks as “treacherous.”

Gaikwad further criticized Gandhi, stating, “His comments represent the biggest betrayal of the people. Communities like Marathas, Dhangars, and OBCs are fighting for their reservation rights, yet Gandhi is talking about dismantling these benefits.”

Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekar Bawankule said he does not support the MLA’s remarks. BJP is a constituent of the Shiv Sena-led government in the state.

Bawankule distanced the BJP from Gaikwad's comments. "I will not support or endorse Gaikwad's comments. However, we cannot forget that the first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had opposed reservations saying it would affect the progress.

“Rajiv Gandhi had said giving reservations means supporting idiots. Now Rahul Gandhi says he would end reservations,” the BJP leader said.

"We will sensitise the SCs, STs and OBCs and inform them about the comments of Nehru, Rajiv Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi . Even Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange should think about it," he said.

Atul Londhe, spokesperson of Maharashtra Congress said, "Sanjay Gaikwad does not deserve to live in society and politics. We want to see whether Maharashtra Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis invokes charges of culpable homicide against Gaikwad." Congress MLC Bhai Jagtap said, "I condemn such people and comments. These people have spoiled the politics of the state.

Gaikwad, an MLA from Buldhana assembly seat in Vidarbha region, is no stranger to controversies. Last month, a video of a policeman washing the Shiv Sena MLA’s car had gone viral on social media. Gaikwad had later explained that the policeman cleaned the vehicle voluntarily after vomiting inside it.

In February, Gaikwad had claimed that he had hunted a tiger in 1987 and has been wearing its tooth around his neck.

Soon after, the state Forest department sent the purported tiger tooth for forensic identification and charged Gaikwad under the Wildlife Protection Act.