In response to a controversial statement, BJP leader Rajiv Chandrasekhar clarified that the party does not endorse the threatening remarks made by BJP spokesperson Printu Mahadevan against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during a live TV debate. Chandrasekhar emphasized that the BJP’s political stance focuses on development and does not engage in personal vendettas. He asserted that the party disapproves of such actions, deeming Mahadevan’s comments as an outburst made in anger. Chandrasekhar stated that the party’s focus lies on ideology and progress, and they advocate for a politics of action. He highlighted that the party has no intention of pursuing politics based on personal animosity, and therefore, does not support such statements.
The controversy arose from Mahadevan’s remarks on a TV channel on September 26, during a discussion about protests in Bangladesh and Nepal. Mahadevan threatened Rahul Gandhi, stating that he would be shot. He added that such protests are not possible in India due to the support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Following the statement, the Congress expressed strong disapproval, leading to protests against Mahadevan and the BJP in Kerala. Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal also wrote to Home Minister Amit Shah, requesting action against Mahadevan. Mahadevan was subsequently arrested and released on bail on September 29. The Congress criticized the state government for not arresting Mahadevan promptly, alleging a clandestine alliance between the ruling Marxist Communist Party and the BJP in Kerala.