The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly condemned alleged death threats against Prime Minister Narendra Modi by members of the Congress party, sparking a political firestorm. The BJP has accused Congress workers of inciting violence and engaging in dangerous rhetoric, demanding immediate action and arrests.
The controversy erupted after a video surfaced purportedly showing a DMK South District Secretary, Jayapalan, issuing a 'death threat' to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a protest in Tenkasi. Tamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagendran shared the clip online and demanded Jayapalan's immediate arrest, accusing the DMK of encouraging dangerous rhetoric.
This incident is not isolated. In a separate event, Kerala Police launched a search for BJP worker Pintu Mahadevan, who allegedly issued a death threat against Rahul Gandhi, a prominent leader of the opposition. Mahadevan reportedly declared during a private television debate that "a bullet would pierce Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's chest". The Peramangalam Police registered a case against Pintu Mahadevan based on a complaint filed by KSU District President Gokul Guruvayoor. Pintu Mahadevan has been booked under Sections relating to issuing death threats, incitement to violence, and promoting communal hatred.
The Congress party has strongly condemned the remarks made by Mahadevan, holding both the BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) accountable for the incident. Senior Congress leader K.C. Venugopal has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah demanding immediate action against Pintu Mahadevan. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera criticized the threat, saying it reflected the BJP's mindset and frustration over its ideological defeat and alleged that it is "nothing but a conspiracy to suppress the voices of the marginalized".
These incidents have raised concerns about the escalating political tensions and the use of violent rhetoric in Indian politics. The BJP has stated that such threats are unacceptable and that those responsible must be held accountable for their words and actions. The DMK is yet to officially respond to the accusations.
Political analysts suggest that these incidents reflect the increasingly polarized political climate in India, where the BJP and Congress are the two major political forces. The use of inflammatory language and the issuing of threats can further exacerbate tensions and create an environment of fear and intimidation.
Authorities are investigating the alleged death threats and have assured that appropriate action will be taken against those found guilty of inciting violence or making threats against political figures. The incidents have sparked intense political confrontation ahead of the Prime Minister's visit to Tamil Nadu.
