Attacking Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over the statements he made on reservation in the United States of America, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde group) MLA Sanjay Gaikwad on Monday, announced a reward of ₹11 lakh to anyone who will “chop off the tongue” of Rahul Gandhi for his statements.
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Mr. Gaikwad alleged that Rahul Gandhi’s words had indicated that he wanted to end reservations for Dalit, tribal and Other Backward Classes (OBC) communities. “During Lok Sabha elections, he created a fake narrative of the Constitution being in danger to gain votes. Now he is speaking of ending reservation, this shows the real face of Congress. I give a challenge. Whoever chops off Rahul Gandhi’s tongue will be awarded with ₹11 lakh,” said Mr. Gaikwad.
Speaking to The Hindu, Buldhana Deputy Superitendent Sudhir Patil said that an FIR had been registered at Buldhana police stations under section 351(2), 351(4), 192 and 351(3) of BNS at Buldhana Police Station.
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In response to the remarks, Congress party functionaries on Monday, staged a sit-in protest in Buldhana police station, demanding to file an FIR against Sanjay Gaikwad.
Opposition’s criticism
The opposition has condemned Mr. Gaikwad’s remarks and Mahayuti’s “conspiracy” to defame Rahul Gandhi. Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader Balasaheb Thorat said, “Rahul Gandhi has always taken a stand of protecting the constitution; do not feed words in his mouth. No one can touch him as lakhs of party workers are his shield, more importantly, people are standing with him.
Maharashtra Congress president, Nana Patole slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah for being silent over the State government’s dictatorship and Taliban-like behaviour. “BJP leaders are threatening to kill opposition leader, calling Rahul Gandhi a terrorist. Where is the law?” he said.
Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Vijay Wadettiwar demanded Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to “arrest” and “press charges” against him.