New Delhi (Agency): In response to the Gujarat High Court’s refusal to stay Rahul Gandhi’s conviction in a defamation case, the Congress party has expressed its intent to approach the Supreme Court. The party suggests that the current government is fabricating novel methods to silence Gandhi, considering it feels threatened by his fearless exposition of the truth.
Reiterating its commitment to combating this legal and political challenge, the Congress party commented that the recent court verdict has only amplified their determination to delve deeper into the matter. Abhishek Singhvi, Congress spokesperson and Gandhi’s counsel, during a press conference at the AICC headquarters, expressed his dismay over the court’s dismissal of Gandhi’s plea, terming it as “highly disappointing, but not unexpected.”
He emphasized the role of the people’s court, saying that the citizens are witnessing an “entire cottage industry unleashed against one individual.” Singhvi didn’t shy away from hinting at the alleged unfairness during the trial phase, stating, “the complainant got a one year stay on his own complaint, and then revived it after there was a change on the bench.”
Despite relentless efforts to silence Gandhi, through alleged harassment by the ED and the CBI, breach of privilege notices, the questionable removal of SPG security, and disqualification from Parliament, Singhvi insists that Gandhi remains resolute. He underscores that this unyielding stance is what scares the government. He also pointed out that Gandhi’s fact-based critiques on issues like demonetization, the government’s “clean chit” to China, and the struggling economic situation, have left the government unsettled.
“It is consistent aggression that has compelled the government to find newer and newer techniques to throttle his voice…we are seeing this cycle of oppression and suppression play out once again,” Singhvi added. He affirmed that the party and Rahul Gandhi would continue their fight against such tactics.
Earlier that day, K C Venugopal, All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary, hinted at the party’s intention to appeal to the Supreme Court, at a party program in Kozhikode. In a tweet, Venugopal referred to Rahul Gandhi as a robust voice that confronts the Modi government head-on, asserting, “No force can silence him, the truth will triumph and justice will ultimately prevail.”
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge voiced the party’s defiance against BJP’s “political conspiracy,” saying no party leader or worker fears it. He accused the BJP of employing “lies” as part of a political strategy to suspend Rahul Gandhi from Parliament. Kharge pledged that the fight for truth would persist, as embodied by Gandhi’s unyielding spirit.
In another critique of the BJP government, Kharge pointed out that while dubious figures like Lalit Modi, Nirav Modi, Mehul “Bhai”, Vijay Mallya, and Jatin Mehta fled the country under its watch, the BJP hatched a conspiracy against Gandhi and got him suspended from Parliament.
Kharge alleged the existence of “Modi ji’s double standards on corruption,” stating that none of the Congress leaders or workers are afraid of this political conspiracy. “We will fight both the political and the legal battle. Satyamev Jayate,” Kharge affirmed on Twitter.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh revealed that the judge’s reasoning was being scrutinized and that the matter would be pursued further. “The judgment only redoubles our resolve to pursue the matter further,” he tweeted.
AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra praised Rahul Gandhi for battling against the “arrogant regime” for truth and the interests of the people. She claimed the regime is attempting to suppress the truth and divert public interest questions using various tactics, including deceit and discrimination.
Labeling the high court’s verdict as a “travesty of justice,” Congress general secretary Randeep Surjewala took to Twitter to express his view. He lamented that rather than punishing “Bank Fraudsters” like Nirav Modi and others, the “messenger” exposing the deceit is being punished.