BJP MP’s “Burn Rahul Gandhi’s Tongue” Remark Fuels Backlash

Amravati: BJP Rajya Sabha MP Anil Bonde has sparked controversy by stating that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s tongue should be “burnt” for his comments on reservation. Bonde’s remarks, made on Tuesday, have drawn criticism from opposition parties.

This comes after Shiv Sena’s Buldhana MLA Sanjay Gaikwad stirred a row by offering a ₹11 lakh reward to anyone who cuts off Gandhi’s tongue for suggesting that reservation could be reconsidered when “India is a fair place”. Gandhi made these comments during his recent visit to the USA, where he addressed students at Georgetown University, stating that India is currently not “fair”.

Responding to Gaikwad’s bounty offer, Bonde said, “While the language of chopping off tongues is improper, what Rahul Gandhi said about reservation is dangerous. Rather than chopping off his tongue, it should be singed to prevent such harmful comments.”

Bonde also targeted Dnyanesh Maharao, an author accused of derogatory remarks about Hindu deities, and Shyam Manav, an anti-superstition activist, for hurting the sentiments of the “bahujan” community.

A video of Bonde’s comments went viral on social media, inviting backlash from opposition parties. Notably, Bonde’s remarks did not receive backing from his own party. Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule distanced himself from Bonde’s and Gaikwad’s statements but urged Gandhi to clarify his position on reservation and refrain from making “anti-India” remarks.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut condemned the comments by Bonde and Gaikwad, accusing them of conspiring against Gandhi and threatening his life. He also questioned the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the issue.

In response to Bonde’s remarks, several Congress leaders, including Amravati MP Balwant Wankhade and MLA Yashomati Thakur, held a protest outside the Amravati police commissionerate, demanding legal action against the BJP leader.