A threat to shoot Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has triggered a political storm after Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera alleged that a worker linked to the Karni Sena issued the warning in a video circulated online.Khera said on Thursday, 19 February 2026, that a man identifying himself as associated with the Karni Sena had publicly threatened to kill Gandhi. He shared a clip of the alleged threat on the social media platform X, urging authorities to take immediate cognisance and enhance security for the Congress leader. The video, which began circulating widely across political circles, shows the individual making inflammatory remarks and invoking Gandhi by name.
Rahul Gandhi, who serves as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha following the 2024 general election, has remained a central figure in national politics, frequently criticising the government on issues ranging from unemployment to foreign policy. The latest threat comes amid heightened political polarisation, with senior Congress leaders accusing fringe groups of attempting to intimidate opposition voices.
Pawan Khera described the video as “deeply disturbing” and said that threats of violence against an elected representative undermine democratic norms. He called upon the Union government and law enforcement agencies to identify the individual and initiate criminal proceedings. “This is not merely an attack on one person but an assault on democratic functioning,” he said in a statement accompanying the video post.
Karni Sena, a group that first drew national attention during protests against the 2018 film Padmaavat, has often positioned itself as a defender of Rajput identity. The organisation has splintered into multiple factions over the years, with varying leadership structures. Its activities have periodically drawn scrutiny for provocative statements and street mobilisation. At the time of publication, no official statement had been issued by the principal leadership factions of the Karni Sena in response to the allegation shared by Khera.
Security experts note that public threats disseminated through social media platforms present complex challenges for law enforcement. The rapid amplification of such videos can heighten tensions before verification processes are complete. Police agencies typically assess the credibility of threats by examining the identity, background and intent of the individual involved, as well as any history of violent conduct. Officials familiar with security protocols say that elected representatives with existing security cover are subject to periodic reviews whenever a new threat emerges.
Rahul Gandhi is currently protected under an enhanced security arrangement after earlier reviews by central agencies. His security was upgraded in 2023 amid concerns over potential risks during extensive public outreach campaigns. The Congress party has repeatedly alleged that hostile rhetoric targeting its leaders has contributed to a climate where threats are normalised.
Political reactions unfolded swiftly. Several Congress leaders reposted the video, demanding accountability and stricter action against hate speech. They argued that unchecked threats erode public trust in institutions and discourage open debate. Leaders from some other opposition parties expressed concern over the tone of political discourse, emphasising that ideological disagreements must not spill into calls for violence.
No official confirmation was immediately available from police authorities regarding the registration of a case, though senior officers indicated that they were examining the video circulating online. Standard procedure in such cases involves digital forensics to verify authenticity, identify the source account and trace the individual’s location. Legal provisions under the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act can be invoked in instances involving criminal intimidation or incitement to violence.
The episode highlights a broader pattern of aggressive rhetoric surfacing across political platforms. Analysts point to the growing influence of social media in shaping political narratives, where provocative content can gain traction rapidly. While most such expressions remain limited to verbal threats, security agencies treat explicit calls for harm with seriousness, particularly when directed at high-profile public figures.
Congress leaders have urged the government to ensure that protective measures for opposition leaders are not diluted. They contend that the state bears responsibility for safeguarding all elected representatives, irrespective of party affiliation. Government officials, when questioned in Parliament on similar past incidents, have maintained that security assessments are carried out on a professional basis without political bias.