BJP MP Anil Bonde calls for burning Rahul Gandhi's tongue, sparking political outrage
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BJP Rajya Sabha MP Anil Bonde ignited political controversy on Wednesday by suggesting that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s tongue should be "burned" for allegedly insulting the country during his recent US tour. Bonde’s remark followed a statement by ruling Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad, who had offered a bounty of Rs 11 lakh to anyone who could "snip off" Gandhi’s tongue for his purported comments on reservations.
On Tuesday, speaking to the media, Bonde criticised Gaikwad’s call for cutting off Gandhi’s tongue but escalated the rhetoric by proposing burns instead, saying, "If someone goes abroad and talks like a fool, then his tongue should be burned."
Gaikwad’s initial comments had already caused a political uproar, leading to an FIR being filed against him. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge raised the issue directly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to rein in BJP leaders making inflammatory remarks against Gandhi.
Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies, comprising Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), reacted with outrage, accusing the BJP of spreading hatred. Congress chief spokesperson Atul Londhe remarked, "This shows that there is a 'Nathuram Godse' lurking in every alley now, but this time they will not be able to kill a Gandhi."
Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Kishore Tiwari called the comments part of a "sinister strategy" to silence the opposition, particularly Rahul Gandhi, who has been vocal in challenging the government. He urged PM Modi to intervene and put a stop to such statements.
NCP (SP) National Spokesperson Clyde Crasto condemned the remarks, stating that BJP leaders "need mental treatment" and called for legal action against both Gaikwad and Bonde.
MVA leaders vowed to file additional police complaints against Bonde following the FIR against Gaikwad, accusing the BJP of resorting to violent rhetoric in an attempt to suppress Gandhi’s growing influence as leader of the Opposition.