In an explosive statement made on Monday, Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad declared that he would offer a reward of Rs 11 lakh to the person who chops off the tongue of Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi for his comments regarding the elimination of the reservation system. "While he was abroad, Rahul Gandhi said that he wants to finish off the reservation system in India. This has shown the Congress's true nature." Gaikwad said in announcing the unusual reward. This has shown the Congress's true nature."

"The kind of statement made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has exposed the true face of Congress. During the Lok Sabha elections, they sought votes by spreading lies that the Constitution was in danger, claiming that the BJP would change the Constitution. Today, in America, he said that the reservation system established by Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar would be dismantled. Such words have come from his mouth. Whoever cuts his tongue, I will give them Rs 11 lakh," Gaikwad told the media in a video.

Shiv Sena MLA
Image Source: Pxfuel

Maharashtra BJP’s reaction

Chandrashekar Bawankule, the Maharashtra BJP president, stated that he disagrees with the MLA's views. "Gandhi's comments are the biggest treachery of the people. Communities like Marathas, Dhangars and OBCs are fighting for reservation but before that, Gandhi is talking about ending its benefits," the MLA stated.

"Rahul Gandhi used to show the Constitution book and spread the false narrative that the BJP would change it. But it is the Congress that want to set the country back 400 years," he continued.
Bawankule distanced the BJP from Gaikwad's statements. "I will neither support nor endorse Gaikwad's views. However, we must not forget that the first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, was opposed to reservations, claiming that they would hinder progress.

"Rajiv Gandhi once argued that giving reservations meant supporting stupid. Now Rahul Gandhi promises he will remove reservations," the BJP leader stated. "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 remarked.

Political Criticism

Meanwhile, Atul Londhe, spokesperson for the Maharashtra Congress, stated that Sanjay Gaikwad does not deserve to live in society or politics. "We want to see whether Maharashtra Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis invokes charges of culpable homicide against Gaikwad," stated Londhe.
Congress MLC Bhai Jagtap stated, "I condemn such persons and comments. These folks have damaged the state's politics.

Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar dismissed the Sena MLA's words as "nonsense" and sought harsh action against him. "Such statements are against the law. Otherwise, the people of Maharashtra will show you your position in the coming days," he told PTI.

Rahul Gandhi's Reservation Comments

Several BJP officials, including Union Ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and JP Nadda, have slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his 'reservation' statements.
Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, stated on September 9 in the United States that the Congress party will consider eliminating reservations once India becomes a "fair place," which it is not. The Congressman was speaking with students and faculty at Georgetown University in Washington, DC.

"If you look at the Indian government, there are 70 bureaucrats who manage everything, including secretary to the Government of India. These are the people who make practically all of the financial choices. There is one tribal, three Dalits, three OBCs, and a minority among the 70. Ninety percent of India's population has access to less than ten percent of the positions that control how money is spent. When you look at the financial numbers, tribals earn 10 paise for every Rs 100, Dalits get Rs 5, and OBCs get a similar amount," the Congress leader remarked.

Controversies Surrounding Sanjay Gaikwad

It's not the first time controversy has surrounded Gaikwad. A police officer washing his car in a video went viral on social media last month. Gaikwad later explained that the police officer cleaned the vehicle voluntarily after puking inside it.

He made another contentious statement in February of this year, claiming to have hunted a tiger in 1987 and to have been carrying its tooth around his neck ever since. The state Forest department accused Gaikwad of violating the Wildlife Protection Act shortly after sending the alleged tiger tooth for forensic identification.

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