From ‘chopping off’ to ‘burning’ Rahul Gandhi’s tongue, Mahayuti leaders make controversial remarks which Congress hopes will boomerang on them
The Mahayuti has perceived Rahul Gandhi's remark on "ending reservation" as an effective plank to turn the tables on the Congress ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly polls.
4 min read
Gandhi told Georgetown University students in the United States that his party would consider scrapping reservations in jobs and educational institutions after India became "a fair place," which he said is not the case right now. (File)BJP Rajya Sabha MP Anil Bonde on Tuesday sparked controversy by demanding Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s tongue be burnt. The former Maharashtra agriculture minister’s statement followed that of Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad, who last week announced a Rs 11 lakh reward for”chopping off” the tongue of Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha.
The Mahayuti leaders’ comments against Gandhi followed his remarks on reservations recently. Gandhi told Georgetown University students in the United States that his party would consider scrapping reservations in jobs and educational institutions after India became “a fair place,” which he said is not the case right now.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Bonde said, “I don’t acknowledge chopping off tongue remark. But what Rahul Gandhi has said on reservations is very objectionable. Jibhela Chatke dile pahije (his tongue should be given burns).”
Despite such seemingly harsh remarks, the top state leadership of the BJP, Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party — constituents of the ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra — are silent, with no attempt to admonish such statements or rein their leaders.
With Maharashtra Assembly polls ahead, the Mahayuti has perceived Rahul Gandhi’s remark on “ending reservation” as an effective plank to turn the tables against the Congress, which enjoys the goodwill of Dalits. The BJP-led Mahayuti has decided to launch a statewide campaign to show that Congress is anti-Dalit.
On Wednesday, BJP state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule underplayed Bonde’s “tongue burns” remark. He said, “What Gandhi spoke about scrapping reservation has hurt the sentiments of Dalits, tribals, OBCs. It has exposed the Congress’s mindset.”
Bawankule denied any threat to Gandhi. “There was no threat to Rahul Gandhi’s life. Our government at the Centre is strong and capable of ensuring Gandhi’s security.”
A senior BJP cabinet minister, requesting anonymity, said, “Such remarks are the outcome of heightened sentiments. Neither Gaikwad nor Bonde meant what they said. It was just an expression of their anger against Congress LoP for his reservation remark. Yet, the Buldhana police filed an FIR against Gaikwad.”
Meanwhile, the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi leaders have come out strongly against the remarks.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut expressed concern about a potential threat to Gandhi’s life. He said, “I strongly believe there is a conspiracy against Gandhi. Rivals are plotting something to harm Gandhi. These violent statements serve as indicators. What is more shameful is that neither the central leadership nor the state leadership is speaking out against the use of such derogatory remarks.”
Senior Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat said, “They are systematically targeting Rahul Gandhi. Now, they have crossed the limits by threatening violence.” He added that it is shocking for any civilised nation that the party’s top leaders are silent and endorsing such language.
State Congress chief Nana Patole said the BJP’s “divisive politics” is well known to the masses. “They are distorting Rahul Gandhi’s statement to undermine him and the Congress. But it will boomerang on them. By justifying violence and using communal language, the BJP is exposing its true self,” he said.
Mahayuti’s lenient position did not come as a surprise to anyone within the ruling parties, as they believe that leaders of the Opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) have frequently made inappropriate remarks against its top leadership.
In August, BJP MLA Nitesh Rane, addressing a rally at Shrirampur was allegedly caught on video threatening to enter mosques and attack those who criticise Ramgiri Maharaj, a controversial Hindu seer also facing scrutiny for his inflammatory speeches.”
During the recent Ganesh festival, Rane stated that the welfare of Hindus is the priority for the party.
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