In a controversial statement on Monday, Shiv Sena (Shinde camp) MLA Sanjay Gaikwad offered a reward of ₹11 lakh to anyone who chops off Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s tongue. Gaikwad’s remarks follow Gandhi’s comments during a recent visit to the United States, where he discussed the potential for scrapping the reservation system in India once the country achieves fairness and equality.

Speaking to reporters, Gaikwad criticized Rahul Gandhi for his stance on reservations, particularly for backward classes, tribals, and other marginalized communities. He accused the Congress MP of attempting to mislead voters during elections by raising the issue of reservations. “He wants to end reservation for backward tribals and others, and hence he is using the language of ending it,” Gaikwad said.

The controversy stems from Gandhi’s speech at Georgetown University on September 10, where he addressed students’ concerns about the continuation of the reservation system. Gandhi acknowledged the need for reservations due to ongoing inequality, stating, “We will think of scrapping reservations when India is a fair place. And India is not a fair place.” He highlighted the economic disparities faced by marginalized groups, noting that Dalits, tribals, and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) receive only a small share of the country’s wealth and participation in key sectors.

Gaikwad’s inflammatory comments have drawn widespread criticism, with many condemning the violent rhetoric. Rahul Gandhi has yet to respond directly to Gaikwad’s statement, but the controversy has further polarized the debate on reservations in India, a critical issue in the lead-up to upcoming elections.