In a nation still gripped by the viral “Slapgate” controversy, political tensions have escalated again after a controversial old video of a Shiv Sena MLA has resurfaced online, reigniting fury and fueling debate across party lines.
The clip, now flooding social media, shows the MLA—whose identity is being widely discussed though unverified by authorities—allegedly offering ₹11 lakh to anyone who could ‘cut off Rahul Gandhi’s tongue.’ The explosive statement, originally made during a fiery public speech years ago, has returned to haunt the political ecosystem in the wake of recent attacks against the Congress leader.
The “Slapgate” episode, in which a Congress worker was seen slapping Rahul Gandhi during a rally (an incident now under investigation), had barely cooled when this video threw fuel on the political fire.
❗A Dangerous Dose of Hate Politics
What’s more alarming than the bounty itself is the intensity of language used. The MLA, seen thundering from a local podium, can be heard accusing Gandhi of “insulting Maharashtra” and “betraying Hindutva values,” following up with the chilling cash reward offer.
While the exact year of the video remains unconfirmed, digital forensic experts suggest it was recorded during a state campaign rally possibly held between 2017–2019. It gained renewed attention after being retweeted by hundreds of handles amid the #Slapgate trending chaos.
Political analysts are calling it a dangerous moment in Indian democracy. “This kind of rhetoric, even if years old, erodes public trust in civil discourse,” said political scientist Arpita Nair. “And when it resurfaces in a climate already charged with violence, the consequences can spiral.”
⚖️ Legal Storm Brewing
Congress leaders have wasted no time. Senior Congress spokesperson Jairam Ramesh demanded immediate legal action. “This is not just a hate speech—it’s an open call to incite physical harm against a sitting MP and former party president,” he said.
A formal complaint has now been filed with the Election Commission and the Maharashtra Home Ministry. Legal experts suggest the video could qualify under IPC Sections 506 (criminal intimidation) and 153 (inciting unrest), especially if it’s proven the video wasn’t edited or taken out of context.
Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) has distanced itself from the clip. A party spokesperson claimed: “The video is old, unverified, and doesn’t reflect our current political stance.”
📲 Internet Reacts
Social media has exploded with divided opinions.
#TongueBounty, #Slapgate, and #DemocracyInDanger are all trending.
While supporters of Rahul Gandhi demand action and accountability, right-wing accounts have dismissed it as “political drama ahead of elections.”
This incident marks yet another chapter in the toxic political storytelling that dominates India’s digital age—where old videos, fiery speeches, and clipped truths can influence millions overnight.