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 Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad has ignited controversy with his recent remarks about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. At a press conference, Gaikwad announced a reward of ₹11 lakh for anyone who "chops off the tongue" of Gandhi in response to his comments on reservation in India.

"Rahul Gandhi's statement, where he talked about ending reservation in India, is the biggest lie to the public. On one hand, demands for reservation are rising in Maharashtra, and on the other, Gandhi has called for ending it nationwide. Today he is speaking the language of ending reservation and has shown the real face of the Congress. Whoever chops off Rahul Gandhi’s tongue, I will give him a reward of ₹11 lakh," Gaikwad told reporters.

Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekar Bawankule distanced himself 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 progress. Rajiv Gandhi had said giving reservations means supporting 'idiots'. Now Rahul Gandhi says he would end reservations,” Bawankule said.

Bawankule added, “We will sensitise SCs, STs, and OBCs and inform them about the comments of Nehru, Rajiv Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi. Even Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange should consider this.”

Congress MLC Bhai Jagtap condemned Gaikwad’s comments, stating, “I condemn such people and comments. These individuals have tarnished the state’s politics. Gaikwad, an MLA from Buldhana assembly seat in Vidarbha region, is no stranger to controversies.”

VIDEO | Shiv Sena (Shinde) MLA Sanjay Gaikwad announced a reward of Rs 11 lakh to anyone who will “chop off the tongue” of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his statements on reservation in the US. Here's what he said:

"Rahul Gandhi's statement in which he talked about ending… pic.twitter.com/Y77oBANQOv

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 16, 2024

Rahul Gandhi had made comments during a session with students and faculty at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, where he discussed systemic inequalities in India. He stated that the Congress would "think of ending reservation when India is a fair place," and noted that India is not currently a fair place. Gandhi highlighted the lack of representation for lower castes and Dalits in top businesses, the judiciary, and media.

In a clarification during an interview at the National Press Club in the US, Gandhi said, “Someone misrepresented my statement that I am against reservation. But let me make it clear – I am not against reservation. We will take reservation beyond the limit of 50 per cent.”