Congress Alleges Death Threat to Rahul Gandhi, K C Venugopal Writes to Amit Shah

Congress general secretary K C Venugopal on Sunday wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, flagging what he described as a “chilling and heinous” death threat issued against Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi during a televised debate.

In his letter, Venugopal demanded “immediate, exemplary action” by the police, stressing that justice must be “swift, visible and severe.” He warned that any failure to act decisively would amount to “complicity” and a “grave breach” of the Home Minister’s oath.

According to Venugopal, Printu Mahadev, whom he identified as a BJP spokesperson, made the remarks on a Malayalam news channel. “In a brazen act of incitement of violence, Mahadev openly declared ‘Rahul Gandhi will be shot in the chest’,” Venugopal wrote.

Calling the statement dangerous, he added: “That such poisonous words are uttered by an official spokesperson of the governing party not only places the life of Rahul Gandhi in immediate danger, but also undermines the Constitution, rule of law, and the basic security assurances owed to every citizen — let alone the Leader of Opposition.”

Venugopal further pointed out that the CRPF, which handles Gandhi’s security, has issued multiple warnings about threats to his life. He also raised concerns that one such confidential letter addressed to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge was mysteriously leaked to the media.

The Congress has demanded strict action against Mahadev, holding the government accountable for ensuring the safety of the Opposition leader.