Leaders of Opposition parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Janata Dal (United), DMK, and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), among others, condemned the Surat court’s verdict against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a defamation suit, calling it a “conspiracy to “stifle dissent” and eliminate the Opposition”.
Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, “A plot is afoot to destroy non-BJP leaders and parties through prosecution.” We disagree with Congress, but it is inappropriate to link Rahul Gandhi in this slander lawsuit. The public and the Opposition are responsible for asking questions. We appreciate the court’s decision but disagree with it.”
M K Stalin, his counterpart in Tamil Nadu, termed the detention “very regrettable and unprecedented,” adding, “BJP’s targeting of opposition parties has now resulted in the trampling of democratic rights, and such atrocities will cease.” Brother #RahulGandhi and I chatted, and I expressed my solidarity. I am convinced that justice will prevail in the end!”
Subodh Kumar Mehta, the national spokesman for the RJD, stated, “The BJP believes they are attempting to create a hostile environment against opposition leaders, especially Rahul Gandhi. The writing is on the wall for the Republican Party… They will lose the national election in 2024. The judgement is also dubious and will be challenged in a higher court by a third party.”
“In such cases, leaders end up playing the victim card. They would also have sympathy for Rahul Gandhi. Prominent JD (U) politician and former Rajya Sabha member KC Tyagi stated that the BJP has no reason to celebrate the Gujarat court’s decision.
Priyanka Chaturvedi, a member of the Shiv Sena, stated that Gandhi’s conviction was “extreme and will have far-reaching ramifications.” “This ceaseless targeting of opposition leaders is deplorable, and it will not silence those who speak for the people and refuse to be government ji huzoor,” she said.
Raghav Chadha, a member of the Rajya Sabha representing the AAP, stated that the opposition was the foundation of democracy. “I respectfully disagree with the court’s decision regarding Rahul Gandhi. Opposition is the foundation of democracy. Dissension should not be suppressed. India has a long history of criticism. He tweeted that it is unlawful and undemocratic to restrict this to the standpoint of one ideology, one party, or one leader.
“BJP leaders argue that #RahulGandhi must learn from his conviction by the #SuratCourt and consider his words carefully before speaking. Clyde Crasto, a spokeswoman for the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), stated, “The same applies to the #BJP’s loudmouths since our Judiciary is Supreme, and it will eventually catch up with them as well.”
In the meantime, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena in Maharashtra stated that Rahul should also “be booked for disrespecting national heroes like V D Savarkar.” “He should also be jailed for defaming the country overseas,” party spokesperson Sheetal Mhatre said, referring to Gandhi’s recent controversial remarks at Cambridge University.
