Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has recently become the target of alarming threats and violent rhetoric from leaders within the BJP and its allies, raising serious concerns about the state of national politics. Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has remained silent on the matter, failing to address Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s letter regarding these threats. This silence, critics argue, suggests complicity in the alarming trend of intimidation against opposition figures.
The Congress party has formally lodged a police complaint against several BJP leaders implicated in threatening Gandhi, asserting that their statements endanger the safety of the Opposition leader and could disturb peace in the country, particularly ahead of upcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana.
Following Gandhi’s recent visit to the U.S., BJP leader Tarvinder Singh Marwah reportedly warned, “Rahul Gandhi, refrain from such things, otherwise you will suffer the same fate as your grandmother.” This reference to the assassination of Indira Gandhi exemplifies the serious nature of the threats. Other BJP figures, including Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu and Uttar Pradesh Minister Raghuraj Singh, have also made derogatory remarks against Gandhi.
On September 16, Shiv Sena (Shinde) MLA Sanjay Gaikwad offered a ₹11 lakh reward for anyone who “chops off” Rahul Gandhi’s tongue, further escalating the environment of hostility.
Supporters of Gandhi and leaders from the Congress-led INDIA bloc have condemned these threats as a response to the growing public support for the Opposition leader. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin voiced his shock, calling for immediate government action to ensure Gandhi’s protection, while Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sanjay Raut warned of a conspiracy against the leader.
In light of these developments, Congress MP Ajay Maken has called for legal action against those making such threats, emphasizing the need for accountability from both the Prime Minister and Home Minister Amit Shah. Maken’s complaint specifically cited remarks from BJP leaders and the Shiv Sena.
Former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi defended Gandhi’s statements made during his U.S. trip and highlighted the pressures exerted on previous Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by the RSS and BJP, especially surrounding events like Operation Blue Star in 1984.
As calls for government action intensified, Congress leaders expressed their dismay at the lack of response from the ruling party. In his letter to Modi, Kharge insisted that strict legal measures be taken against those issuing threats to preserve the integrity of Indian politics.
In response, BJP President J.P. Nadda deflected criticism, reminding Kharge of previous derogatory remarks made by Congress leaders against Modi. AICC General Secretary Jairam Ramesh condemned this deflection, arguing that it distracts from the serious nature of the threats against Gandhi.
Ramesh urged Modi to rise above political pettiness and condemn the threats, warning that his silence only emboldens those seeking to disrupt the peace in the country. He drew historical parallels, recalling how a similar atmosphere of hostility preceded the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi.
K.C. Venugopal, another AICC leader, criticized Nadda’s response as arrogant and indicative of Modi’s complicity in the violent threats against Gandhi.
The silence from the Prime Minister amid these serious threats poses a troubling question about the political climate in India, as the Opposition continues to rally for protection and accountability in the face of escalating intimidation.