Congress files defamation case against Arnab Goswami over claims about party office in Turkey

The Indian National Congress (INC) has filed a defamation case before the Delhi High Court against Republic TV editor Arnab Goswami over his claim during a show that Congress has an office in Turkey. The case is expected to be heard on Wednesday before Justice Mini Pushkarna. Congress has sought damages of Rs 2 crore.

In May 2025, Goswami had claimed that the Congress party operated an office in Turjey. The claim was aired on Republic TV, showing a building in Istanbul as the alleged office. The claim was made in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor when Turkey sided with Pakistan.

During the broadcast, Goswami said, “If you’re a Congress party voter, if you’re among that vanishing group of people who are a Congress party voter, then I want to ask you something. What kind of business does your party have in Turkey?”

He went on to add that as of now, the Congress party is “with the enemies of the nation”. “They are non-committal on Turkey. What kind of a party is this? How much more will this party compromise our national interest?” Goswami added.

Fact-checks and reports later indicated that the building was actually the Istanbul Congress Centre, a convention venue run by the Istanbul municipality, not a political party office. Congress denied the allegation and accused Goswami of spreading misinformation and defaming the party.

Republic TV later issued a clarification, calling the use of the image an editorial error.