Insaaf Times Desk

The Indian National Congress (INC) has strongly condemned BJP spokesperson Pintu Mahadev for issuing a death threat to Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi on live television. The party described the threat as a “sinister conspiracy against a people’s leader.”

The controversy arose when Mahadev, during a debate on News18 Kerala, stated, “Rahul Gandhi will be shot in the chest.” The remark referenced the assassinations of Rahul Gandhi’s grandmother, Indira Gandhi (1984), and his father, Rajiv Gandhi (1991). Mahadev further added, “People are with Modi. If Rahul Gandhi harbors such ambitions, he will be shot in the chest. Generation Z protests cannot do anything in India.”

Congress General Secretary K. C. Venugopal described the threat as “shocking and chilling” in a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding immediate and strict action against Mahadev. He said, “This is neither a slip of the tongue nor careless hyperbole. It is a cold, calculated, and deadly threat against the Opposition Leader and one of India’s foremost political figures.”

Venugopal emphasized that such threats not only endanger Rahul Gandhi’s life but also undermine the Constitution, the rule of law, and the basic security assurances owed to every citizen. He described the incident as part of a larger, dangerous conspiracy aimed at legitimizing violence against Rahul Gandhi.

The Congress has demanded clarification from the BJP on whether this represents the party’s official stance. The party warned that any inaction would be considered “a de facto endorsement of violence against the Opposition Leader and a breach of the Home Minister’s oath.”

Following the incident, the Kerala Police registered an FIR under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against Pintu Mahadev and have launched a probe into the matter.

Congress leader Pawan Khera said, “This is not an ordinary threat. Turning the issue of Rahul Gandhi’s security—after losing two members of his family to assassination—into a political matter is playing with fire.”

The episode is not only a serious concern for Rahul Gandhi’s personal security but also serves as a warning against the rising culture of violence in India’s democratic and public life.