Soon after the Surat sessions court dismissed an appeal by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to stay his conviction in a criminal defamation case, the BJP lashed out at him saying he should “leave his arrogance” and “apologise” to the OBC community.
The BJP termed the court order as a “slap on the Gandhi family’s arrogance” and “victory” of the people.
Addressing a press conference here, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said that the court’s decision proves that the law is equal for everyone.
Patra said the judicial ruling has “silenced Rahul and his ecosystem” who were casting doubts on Indian institutions.
“Today’s judgment clarified that the Constitution triumphs in India and not dynastic politics. This is a slap on the face of the Gandhi family. Today, the Surat court proved that the law is the same for everyone and no one is above it. This is a blow to the arrogance of the Gandhi family and a victory for the common people of India, judiciary”, he said.
“Today’s verdict states that no protests, no mobilisation can make the judiciary buckle under pressure. It is a special moment for the judiciary as well,” he said
The BJP leader said “Rahul Gandhi had used objectionable language and insulted the marginalised community, and even engaged in name-calling against them. Despite doing all of this, the Gandhi family thought they would be able to get away with it, but that has not been the case.”
Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal also took a dig at the former Congress president following the verdict, stating that the Congress leader seemed to view himself as above the law.
“We have always said that Rahul Gandhi started considering himself above law and some people from his party also asked why is he not getting special status?” said Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal
The sessions court’s rejection of the plea also makes it clear that Rahul’s disqualification from Lok Sabha membership will also continue and will remain barred from contesting elections for eight years.
The Election Commission may now also be prompted to announce byelection to Wayanad, Rahul’s former Lok Sabha constituency in Kerala.