Rahul Gandhi conviction row: Police detain Karnataka Congress chief, others

Congress State President DK Shivakumar and other protesting party leaders and workers were detained by Karnataka police. The detained party leaders were protesting against the Surat Court verdict against Rahul Gandhi.

“Their (BJP) party will collapse in Karnataka. It is on the verge of collapse. They are just trying to blackmail all leaders & contractors. We’re with people and people are with us. Their voice is our voice. We want to see Karnataka regain its glory,” Shivakumar said.

The Wayanad MP was sentenced to two years in jail but was later granted bail by the court and his sentence suspended for 30 days to let him appeal the decision.

A large-scale rally, including a demonstration at Vijay Chowk in the nation’s capital, was organised by the Congress party.

The party stated that it also intends to meet with President Droupadi Murmu to discuss the matter with other groups.

Throughout the current second part of the Budget Session, Congress is also anticipated to bring up the matter in Parliament.

“They (BJP) are doing this to sidestep the main issue. Congress has always stood by OBC, SC, ST, Backward class and minorities and fought for them,” Kharge said on the conviction of Rahul Gandhi.

The verdict by the Surat Court came following Rahul Gandhi’s Modi remarks. Gandhi commented, “”how come all the thieves have Modi as the common surname?” remarks on a complaint lodged by BJP MLA and former Gujarat minister Purnesh Modi.

At a gathering in Kolar, Karnataka, Gandhi allegedly made the comments about Modi’s last name in advance of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Meanwhile, according to law professionals, Rahul Gandhi may no longer be eligible to serve as an MP as a result of the Surat District Court’s decision. In a 2013 ruling, the Supreme Court had stated that if a term of two years or longer is handed down, any MP or MLA remains disqualified from the time of his sentencing.