Odia actor Buddhaditya Mohanty has stirred controversy after a social media post in which he allegedly suggested that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi should be the next target of notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. The remark, perceived as incitement to violence, has drawn widespread criticism from political circles, especially from the National Student Union of India (NSUI), which has filed a formal complaint against the actor.
Lawrence Bishnoi: The Gangster Making Headlines
Lawrence Bishnoi, a gangster with a long criminal history, has been in the news for several high-profile crimes, including threats to celebrities and political figures. His involvement in multiple extortion cases and his alleged connection to the murder of singer Sidhu Moosewala has earned him a notorious reputation across India. Recently, social media has been abuzz with rumors about potential future targets, and Bishnoi’s name continues to make headlines for all the wrong reasons.
The Controversial Post
Buddhaditya Mohanty, a well-known Odia actor, found himself at the center of a political storm after a now-deleted Facebook post. In the post, Mohanty allegedly referred to rumors circulating online that Bishnoi’s next targets could be Rahul Gandhi and Asaduddin Owaisi, President of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM).
In the controversial post, Mohanty wrote:
“Germany had the Gestapo… Israel has the Mossad… USA has the CIA… now India has Lawrence Bishnoi… next in the list should be Owaisi and Rahul Gandhi.”
This comparison, likening Bishnoi to notorious intelligence and law enforcement agencies, sparked outrage among political groups, particularly Congress supporters.
NSUI Lodges Complaint
The NSUI, the student wing of Congress, quickly responded to Mohanty’s post, accusing him of inciting violence and demanding a public apology. Udit Pradhan, President of Chhatra Congress, stated:
“We condemn such thoughts against our leader. We will not allow him to walk on the road until he apologizes for his bizarre remarks.”
The NSUI has filed a formal complaint, calling for legal action against the actor for his remarks. They also warned of further protests if Mohanty does not issue a sincere apology.
Actor’s Defense and Apology
In response to the backlash, Mohanty deleted the post and expressed his willingness to apologize, insisting that his comments were misunderstood. The actor clarified that he was merely commenting on rumors circulating online and had no intention to instigate violence or target any political leader.
“I only mentioned that Bishnoi is being compared to Gestapo and Mossad. I did not mean to incite violence or target anyone. The Congress people misunderstood my post,” Mohanty explained, emphasizing that his post was meant to be a commentary on social media rumors.
Though Mohanty has apologized and deleted the post, the controversy highlights the sensitivity surrounding public figures and their statements, especially on social media. As India grapples with complex political and social issues, remarks like these can easily spiral into larger debates about free speech, responsibility, and the role of public figures in shaping public discourse.
(With inputs from agencies)
