"I don't support Sanjay Gaikwad's statement": Union Minister Ramdas Athawale

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 17 (ANI): Union Minister Ramdas Athawale clarified of not endorsing the statement by Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad, who offered a reward of Rs 11 lakh to anyone who cuts off Gandhi's tongue.
Speaking to ANI on Monday, Ramdas Athawale said "I dont agree with the statement of Sanjay Gaikwad. We have the right to oppose Rahul Gandhi's remarks but we can do that in other ways. We all should criticise Rahul Gandhi over his statements but using these kinds of statements is not right."
This comes after Sanjay Gaikwad's controversial remarks about the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi. Sanjay Gaikwad is Shiv Sena MLA from Buldhana.
Sanjay Gaikwad stated "The kind of statement made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has exposed the true face of the Congress. During the Lok Sabha elections, they sought votes by spreading lies that the Constitution was in danger, claiming the BJP would change it. Today, in America, he said that the reservation system established by Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar would be dismantled. These words have come from his mouth. Whoever cuts his tongue, I will give them Rs 11 lakh."
Maharashtra Police have registered an FIR against Gaikwad under sections 351(2), 351(4), 192, and 351(3) of the BNS.
"Rahul Gandhi has a habit of criticising India on foreign soil. He has done this before as well," Athawale said.
He went on to say that Rahul Gandhi always tries to attack Narendra Modi in foreign countries.
"When he says that he will end reservations in the country is serious. The backward communities are unhappy with Rahul Gandhi's statement," he added.
Notably, Rahul Gandhi came under massive heat after he made remarks on BJP, Sikh community and reservation while he was addressing the Indian diaspora in the US.
Rahul Gandhi was on his US visit when he interacted with students and teachers at the University of Texas. (ANI)