Gaurav Gogoi criticizes PM Modi over endorsement of Ranveer Allahbadia, FIR filed against Samay Raina...

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to exercise more caution in endorsing public figures, following the backlash against podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia over his controversial remarks on comedian Samay Raina’s show, India’s Got Latent. Taking to social media platform X, Gogoi stated, “I hope PM Modi will look more closely at the people he has endorsed publicly and on social media. In his personal life, he is welcome to support whoever he likes, but as Prime Minister, he must be expected to be more responsible.”

The controversy: What did Ranveer Allahbadia say?

Ranveer Allahbadia, popularly known as ‘BeerBiceps’, made a highly inappropriate remark while judging a contestant on India’s Got Latent, asking: "Would you rather watch your parents have sex every day or join them to finish it once and for all?" The comment stunned his fellow judges, including Samay Raina, Ashish Chanchlani, and Apoorva Mukhija (The Rebel Kid). Samay Raina immediately reacted, exclaiming, “What the f**?”*, while another judge questioned, “Kya ho gaya hai Ranveer bhai ko?” Following the massive backlash, Ranveer issued an apology, but the controversy escalated with a First Information Report (FIR) being registered against him, Samay Raina, Apoorva Mukhija, and the show’s organizers.

Political fallout: BJP & opposition react

The incident has ignited a political firestorm, drawing criticism from both the ruling BJP and the opposition. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis stated that while freedom of expression is important, it has its limits and should not be misused. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi has vowed to raise the issue in Parliament, calling for stricter action against inappropriate content on digital platforms. Ranveer Allahbadia had previously been recognized by PM Modi as the ‘Disruptor of the Year’ at the National Creators Award 2024, adding another layer of controversy to the incident. The Opposition has since questioned the PM’s choice of endorsements, linking it to the broader debate on responsibility in public life.

Social media backlash & legal action

The remarks have triggered widespread outrage on social media, with netizens condemning the normalization of offensive content in digital entertainment. Many have called for stricter regulations on online platforms, urging content creators to exercise greater accountability. The complainant in the FIR has demanded strict legal action against Ranveer Allahbadia and others involved, citing the use of abusive language and inappropriate conduct on a public platform.