The Indian National Congress strongly condemned a purported video threat issued by a man claiming affiliation with the Karni Sena, who threatened to shoot Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and 25 other Congress MPs. The incident has sparked sharp political controversy, with Congress accusing the BJP-RSS ecosystem of fostering an environment that enables such radicalization.
### Key Details of the Incident
A video surfaced (widely shared on social media and reported by news outlets) in which the individual, identified as Raj Singh (or Raj Amera Singh in some reports), a self-proclaimed Karni Sena spokesperson and cow vigilante from Kota, Rajasthan, expressed outrage over alleged verbal abuse of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla by Congress MPs during the recent Budget session. He claimed the disruption occurred on Rahul Gandhi's orders and warned:
- If such incidents recur, Karni Sena and BJP workers would vandalize the homes of those MPs.
- Specifically addressing Rahul Gandhi: "If such an incident occurs again, we will barge into your home and shoot you."
The man reportedly stated he was unafraid of jail. Following the video's circulation, Kota police detained him on Thursday (February 19, 2026).
The threat appears linked to recent parliamentary tensions, including claims (led by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju) that Congress MPs insulted Speaker Om Birla—claims Congress disputes, citing video evidence showing no such abuse and the Speaker smiling during the exchange.
### Congress Response
Congress leaders, including Media and Publicity Department Chairman Pawan Khera, described the threat as part of a broader, orchestrated campaign rather than an isolated act. Khera posted on X (formerly Twitter), calling the RSS-BJP ecosystem a "Godse factory" — a reference to Nathuram Godse, Mahatma Gandhi's assassin, implying systematic radicalization and legitimization of violence against political opponents.
Khera outlined the alleged pattern:
- Fabrication of lies (e.g., the Om Birla insult claim).
- Repetition across BJP platforms labeling Rahul Gandhi as "the biggest threat to India’s national security."
- Incitement of followers to hatred and violence.
He stated: "This is how Godse was created back then. Today, another Godse is being prepared." Congress framed it as a "calculated and devious plan" to demonize the opposition and justify attacks, especially amid ideological clashes.
The party highlighted this as evidence of radicalization enabled by the ruling dispensation's rhetoric.
### Broader Context
This is the latest in a series of reported threats against Rahul Gandhi, often tied to political rhetoric. Congress has repeatedly accused BJP affiliates of fostering intolerance, while the incident has drawn condemnation from opposition voices. No immediate formal response from BJP or RSS was detailed in initial reports, but the detention suggests law enforcement action.
The episode underscores deepening political polarization in India, with debates over free speech, political violence, and security for opposition leaders.
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