<p>In a major setback to Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, a court denied the stay on conviction in a defamation case made towards a remark deemed defamatory by the petitioner, which had led to the suspension of the Congress leader as a lawmaker.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gujarat High Court upheld a&nbsp;Sessions Court's order. This means the ruling that Rahul Gandhi cannot&nbsp;&nbsp;contest elections or seek revocation of the suspension of his status as a Member of Parliament (MP), remains valid.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-rahul-gandhi-the-indian-opposition-leader-disqualified-from-parliament-575302">Explained: Who is Rahul Gandhi, the Indian opposition leader disqualified from parliament?</a></strong></p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi&nbsp;can now appeal against the High Court order in Supreme Court.</p>

<p>Gujarat High Court said the trial court's conviction order is proper, and there is no need to interfere with that order.</p>

<p>The court further noted that at least 10 criminal cases are pending against Rahul Gandhi.</p>

<h2><strong>Rahul Gandhi and Monsoon session of Indian parliament</strong></h2>

<p>In the wake of the legal setback, Rahul Gandhi will not be able to make it back to the Indian parliament, that will convene for its monsoon session starting July 20.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If the Supreme Court also rejects Rahul's request, he will not be able to contest 2024 General election as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Gujarat High Court cited Rahul Gandhi's remarks on controversial Indian freedom fighter&nbsp;Vinayak Damodar&nbsp;Savarkar at Cambridge in its order.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi will be the first opposition leader to visit violence-hit Manipur</strong></p>

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<p>"It is needed to have purity in politics...A complaint has been filed against (Rahul Gandhi) by the grandson of Veer Savarkar in Pune Court after Gandhi used terms against Veer Savarkar at Cambridge," said the High Court.</p>

<p>"Refusal to stay conviction would not in any way result in injustice to the applicant. There are no reasonable grounds to stay conviction. The conviction is just, proper and legal."</p>

<h2><strong>Modi remark case: Will Rahul Gandhi go to jail?</strong></h2>

<p>But Rahul Gandhi, the suspended Member of Parliament from Wayanad in South India's Kerala state,&nbsp;will not go to jail. This is because his two-year sentence was put on hold by a court previously.</p>

<h2><strong>Modi remark: What was it?</strong></h2>

<p>While campaigning in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Rahul Gandhi at a rally had said:&nbsp;"How come all thieves have the common surname Modi?"&nbsp;</p>

<p>BJP MLA and former Gujarat minister Purnesh Modi had filed the case over this statement made by Rahul Gandhi.</p>

<p>The former Congress party chief&nbsp;was sentenced to prison for two years on March 23 for the speech deemed defamatory by the court.</p>

<p>The Congress leader was disqualified soon after as a member of parliament.</p>

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In a major setback to Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, a court denied the stay on conviction in a defamation case made towards a remark deemed defamatory by the petitioner, which had led to the suspension of the Congress leader as a lawmaker.

In a major setback to Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, a court denied the stay on conviction in a defamation case made towards a remark deemed defamatory by the petitioner, which had led to the suspension of the Congress leader as a lawmaker. Gujarat High Court upheld a Sessions Court's order. This means the ruling that Rahul Gandhi cannot contest elections or seek revocation of the suspension of his status as a Member of Parliament (MP), remains valid. Also read | Explained: Who is Rahul Gandhi, the Indian opposition leader disqualified from parliament? Rahul Gandhi can now appeal against the High Court order in Supreme Court. Gujarat High Court said the trial court's conviction order is proper, and there is no need to interfere with that order. The court further noted that at least 10 criminal cases are pending against Rahul Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi and Monsoon session of Indian parliament In the wake of the legal setback, Rahul Gandhi will not be able to make it back to the Indian parliament, that will convene for its monsoon session starting July 20. If the Supreme Court also rejects Rahul's request, he will not be able to contest 2024 General election as well. The Gujarat High Court cited Rahul Gandhi's remarks on controversial Indian freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar at Cambridge in its order. Also watch | Rahul Gandhi will be the first opposition leader to visit violence-hit Manipur × "It is needed to have purity in politics...A complaint has been filed against (Rahul Gandhi) by the grandson of Veer Savarkar in Pune Court after Gandhi used terms against Veer Savarkar at Cambridge," said the High Court. "Refusal to stay conviction would not in any way result in injustice to the applicant. There are no reasonable grounds to stay conviction. The conviction is just, proper and legal." Modi remark case: Will Rahul Gandhi go to jail? But Rahul Gandhi, the suspended Member of Parliament from Wayanad in South India's Kerala state, will not go to jail. This is because his two-year sentence was put on hold by a court previously. Modi remark: What was it? While campaigning in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Rahul Gandhi at a rally had said: "How come all thieves have the common surname Modi?" BJP MLA and former Gujarat minister Purnesh Modi had filed the case over this statement made by Rahul Gandhi. The former Congress party chief was sentenced to prison for two years on March 23 for the speech deemed defamatory by the court. The Congress leader was disqualified soon after as a member of parliament. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Modi surname remark case: Gujarat High Court dismisses Rahul Gandhi's plea for stay

The Indian Northeastern State of Manipur has been hit by violence and vandalism since May 3 this year. The clashes between the Kuki ethnic group and the Meiteis, the dominant community have resulted in deaths, displacement and vandalism. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was stopped by police where he was supposed to visit the Manipur relief camps in Imphal and Churachandpur.

Rahul Gandhi stopped by police, local police cites threat to Gandhi's security as a reason

<p>India's Union minister Smriti Irani on Wednesday opened a front against former parliamentarian Rahul Gandhi over his recent visit to the US. Irani attempted to establish a connection between Rahul Gandhi and George Soros, saying the Congress party leader "hobnobbed" with people having suspicious credentials, including those close to the billionaire.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Irani said Congress had failed to answer if Gandhi had indeed met Sunita Vishwanath, an activist accused by BJP of harbouring anti-Hindu views.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The question that has been left unanswered by the Congress party is - Is it true that Rahul Gandhi met Sunita Vishwanath&nbsp;during his trip to the US?" asked Irani.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When it is clear to every Indian what George Soros intends to do, why is Rahul Gandhi hobnobbing with those who are funded by Soros? It is also evident that this is not the only Soros connection. Even in Bharat Jodo Yatra in Karnataka, the Global Vice President of the Open Society Foundation, funded by George Soros, was found accompanying Rahul Gandhi," she added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Referring to&nbsp;Tanzeem Ansari, project director of the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), which has links to the Jamaat-e-Islami, Irani continued the salvo. According to Irani,&nbsp;Ansari was the individual who coordinated Gandhi's New York trip.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"What is extremely distressing is the link with the Islamic Circle of North America," she said, adding that if one ran a public domain search on the registration process for NRI interaction with Rahul Gandhi in New York, one will find the contact of Ansari.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Irani's previous attack on Soros</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, this is not the first time that Irani has called out Soros for being a divisive force. After Soros' comments on the Adani-Hindenburg report, Irani called him an "economic war criminal" and “a man who broke the Bank of England”.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Irani said Soros declared his “ill intentions to interfere in the democratic processes of India”, and wants a government that is pliable to his needs.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-george-soros-who-broke-uks-central-bank-what-he-said-on-pm-modi-adani-know-all-his-controversies-563116"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Why is everyone talking about George Soros? What did he say about PM Modi &amp; Adani? Know all his controversies</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>BJP attempting to even the scales?</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, the all-out attack by the BJP machinery on the Gandhi scion comes on the back of an FIR being filed against top leader Amit Malviya for an animated video uploaded on social media, following a complaint by a Karnataka Congress leader.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>BJP leaders slammed the Congress for the FIR, saying it was politically motivated and designed to silence Malviya, who heads the party’s information technology cell.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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India's Union minister Smriti Irani on Wednesday opened a front against former parliamentarian Rahul Gandhi over his recent visit to the US. Irani attempted to establish a connection between Rahul Gandhi and George Soros, saying the Congress party leader "hobnobbed" with people having suspicious credentials, including those close to the billionaire.

India's Union minister Smriti Irani on Wednesday opened a front against former parliamentarian Rahul Gandhi over his recent visit to the US. Irani attempted to establish a connection between Rahul Gandhi and George Soros, saying the Congress party leader "hobnobbed" with people having suspicious credentials, including those close to the billionaire. Irani said Congress had failed to answer if Gandhi had indeed met Sunita Vishwanath, an activist accused by BJP of harbouring anti-Hindu views. "The question that has been left unanswered by the Congress party is - Is it true that Rahul Gandhi met Sunita Vishwanath during his trip to the US?" asked Irani. "When it is clear to every Indian what George Soros intends to do, why is Rahul Gandhi hobnobbing with those who are funded by Soros? It is also evident that this is not the only Soros connection. Even in Bharat Jodo Yatra in Karnataka, the Global Vice President of the Open Society Foundation, funded by George Soros, was found accompanying Rahul Gandhi," she added. #WATCH | Union Minister Smriti Irani says, "...The question that has been left unanswered by the Congress party is - Is it true that Rahul Gandhi met Sunita Vishwanath during his trip to the US?...When it is clear to every Indian what George Soros intends to do, why is Rahul… pic.twitter.com/GhWoCjkTBS — ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2023 × Referring to Tanzeem Ansari, project director of the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), which has links to the Jamaat-e-Islami, Irani continued the salvo. According to Irani, Ansari was the individual who coordinated Gandhi's New York trip. "What is extremely distressing is the link with the Islamic Circle of North America," she said, adding that if one ran a public domain search on the registration process for NRI interaction with Rahul Gandhi in New York, one will find the contact of Ansari. Irani's previous attack on Soros Notably, this is not the first time that Irani has called out Soros for being a divisive force. After Soros' comments on the Adani-Hindenburg report, Irani called him an "economic war criminal" and “a man who broke the Bank of England”. Irani said Soros declared his “ill intentions to interfere in the democratic processes of India”, and wants a government that is pliable to his needs. Also read | Why is everyone talking about George Soros? What did he say about PM Modi & Adani? Know all his controversies BJP attempting to even the scales? Meanwhile, the all-out attack by the BJP machinery on the Gandhi scion comes on the back of an FIR being filed against top leader Amit Malviya for an animated video uploaded on social media, following a complaint by a Karnataka Congress leader. WATCH | OpenAI's ChatGPT now speaks Hindi, Assamese and Bangla × BJP leaders slammed the Congress for the FIR, saying it was politically motivated and designed to silence Malviya, who heads the party’s information technology cell. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Why is he hobnobbing...': BJP targets Rahul Gandhi for alleged George Soros link

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<p>Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi landed in Manipur state on Thursday to kick off his two-day visit to violence-hit India’s northeastern state. He visited a relief camp in the capital city of Imphal in order to meet the people affected due to the violence in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, he was not allowed by the police to enter Churachandpur—one of the worst-hit districts —over security fears and was asked to return to Imphal. The convoy was stopped in Bishnupur, which is about 20 km from Imphal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress leader tweeted, "I came to listen to all my brothers and sisters of Manipur. People of all communities are being very welcoming and loving. It’s very unfortunate that the government is stopping me. Manipur needs healing. Peace has to be our only priority."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Manipur Congress chief Keisham Meghachandra has said that Gandhi is returning to the capital city and will stay the night there. There is no clarity on whether he will be able to continue with his visits scheduled for tomorrow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, the Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal told ANI, "Rahul Gandhi's convoy has been stopped by police near Bishnupur. Police say that they are not in a position to allow us. People are standing on both sides of the road to wave to Rahul Gandhi. We are not able to understand why have they stopped us."&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Churachandpur, he was supposed to meet the people suffering in relief camps and “to provide a healing touch in the strife-torn state”, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We fear repetition of such events and hence as a precaution, requested the convoy to halt at Bishnupur," a police officer told PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kharge slammed the Narendra Modi government, saying that the move violates all “constitutional and democratic norms”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“PM Modi has not bothered to break his silence on Manipur. He has left the state to fend for itself. Now, his double engine disastrous governments are using autocratic methods to stall a compassionate outreach by Shri Rahul Gandhi. This is totally unacceptable and shatters all Constitutional and Democratic norms. Manipur needs peace, NOT confrontation (sic),” he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party hit back, with its IT cell chief Amit Malviya saying that the senior Congress leader was not a "messiah of peace, just a political opportunist, who wants to keep the pot boiling."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>One of worst crisis&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Manipur is facing one of its worst ethnic flare-ups in recent decades. The clashes first began after a “Tribal Solidarity March” was called by the All Tribal Students’ Union of Manipur (ATSUM).</p>

<p>The march was organised in protest against the demand for inclusion of the area’s majority Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category, following an April 19 Manipur High Court order.</p>

<p>The Indian laws provide reservations in some government jobs, college admissions and electoral seats for communities under the ST category as a form of affirmative action to tackle historical structural inequality and discrimination.</p>

<p>The Kuki community has opposed the Meitei community’s inclusion in the list, fearing opportunity and job loss due to the group’s demographically and politically advantageous position.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi landed in Manipur state on Thursday to kick off his two-day visit to violence-hit India’s northeastern state. He visited a relief camp in the capital city of Imphal in order to meet the people affected due to the violence in the state.

Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi landed in Manipur state on Thursday to kick off his two-day visit to violence-hit India’s northeastern state. He visited a relief camp in the capital city of Imphal in order to meet the people affected due to the violence in the state. Earlier, he was not allowed by the police to enter Churachandpur—one of the worst-hit districts —over security fears and was asked to return to Imphal. The convoy was stopped in Bishnupur, which is about 20 km from Imphal. The Congress leader tweeted, "I came to listen to all my brothers and sisters of Manipur. People of all communities are being very welcoming and loving. It’s very unfortunate that the government is stopping me. Manipur needs healing. Peace has to be our only priority." Manipur Congress chief Keisham Meghachandra has said that Gandhi is returning to the capital city and will stay the night there. There is no clarity on whether he will be able to continue with his visits scheduled for tomorrow. Earlier, the Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal told ANI, "Rahul Gandhi's convoy has been stopped by police near Bishnupur. Police say that they are not in a position to allow us. People are standing on both sides of the road to wave to Rahul Gandhi. We are not able to understand why have they stopped us." In Churachandpur, he was supposed to meet the people suffering in relief camps and “to provide a healing touch in the strife-torn state”, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge tweeted. "We fear repetition of such events and hence as a precaution, requested the convoy to halt at Bishnupur," a police officer told PTI. Kharge slammed the Narendra Modi government, saying that the move violates all “constitutional and democratic norms”. “PM Modi has not bothered to break his silence on Manipur. He has left the state to fend for itself. Now, his double engine disastrous governments are using autocratic methods to stall a compassionate outreach by Shri Rahul Gandhi. This is totally unacceptable and shatters all Constitutional and Democratic norms. Manipur needs peace, NOT confrontation (sic),” he said. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party hit back, with its IT cell chief Amit Malviya saying that the senior Congress leader was not a "messiah of peace, just a political opportunist, who wants to keep the pot boiling." One of worst crisis Manipur is facing one of its worst ethnic flare-ups in recent decades. The clashes first began after a “Tribal Solidarity March” was called by the All Tribal Students’ Union of Manipur (ATSUM). The march was organised in protest against the demand for inclusion of the area’s majority Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category, following an April 19 Manipur High Court order. The Indian laws provide reservations in some government jobs, college admissions and electoral seats for communities under the ST category as a form of affirmative action to tackle historical structural inequality and discrimination. The Kuki community has opposed the Meitei community’s inclusion in the list, fearing opportunity and job loss due to the group’s demographically and politically advantageous position. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Manipur violence: Rahul Gandhi visits relief camp in Imphal to meet affected people

The Indian Northeastern State of Manipur has been hit by violence and vandalism since May 3 this year. The clashes between the Kuki ethnic group and the Meiteis, the dominant community have resulted in deaths, displacement and vandalism. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will visit Manipur relief camps in Imphal and Churachandpur.

Rahul Gandhi will be the first opposition leader to visit violence-hit Manipur

<p>Opposition parties are together going to defeat the BJP in the 2024 general elections, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Friday and claimed a battle was on between his party's "'Bharat Jodo' ideology and the BJP's 'Bharat Todo' thinking".</p>

<p>Underscoring the importance of unity in party ranks, he also claimed the Congress would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections in Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana.</p>

<p>Accusing the BJP of working to "divide India and spread hate and violence", he asserted that a fight of ideologies was going on in India.</p>

<p>"On the one hand, there is the Congress' 'Bharat Jodo' ideology and the BJP and RSS' 'Bharat Todo' thinking is on the other hand," Gandhi said while addressing a large gathering of Congress workers and leaders at the party office in the Sadaqat Ashram area here.</p>

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<p>That is why we have come here because the DNA of the Congress is in Bihar, the former party chief said.</p>

<p>"All Opposition parties have come here and together we are going to defeat the BJP," he said.</p>

<p>Top leaders of Opposition parties went into a huddle in Patna on Friday to chalk out a roadmap for the formation of an anti-BJP front for next year's general elections. The meeting was hosted by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of the JD(U) and his deputy Tejashwi Yadav of the RJD.</p>

<p>Gandhi said that in Karnataka, BJP leaders gave speeches and went everywhere "but the result is there for you to see".</p>

<p>"As soon as the Congress stood united, the BJP disappeared in Karnataka. I am saying it from this stage that the BJP will be nowhere in Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh and the Congress will win," Gandhi claimed and added that this would happen because "we stand with the poor".</p>

<p>Asserting that the Congress was working to unite people and spread love, he said, "You know it very well that hate cannot be countered with hate. Only love can counter hate and we fight against hate. That's why we talk about love."</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Karnataka Elections 2023: BJP to introspect why it couldn't dominate in the state</strong></p>

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<p>The former Congress chief claimed that the whole country has understood that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP work for the benefit of only two to three people, and are "handing over the entire country's wealth to them".</p>

<p>"The Congress means standing with the poor, meeting them, hugging them and working for them," he said.</p>

<p>Gandhi began his address by asking Congress workers "How is the mood", to which they replied, "It is good". He thanked them for their contribution and support to the Bharat Jodo Yatra.</p>

<p>"(During the yatra) I used to ask people in every state where are you from. Many used to say that 'I come from Bihar'. People from Bihar accompanied us everywhere -- Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra, Telangana, Maharashtra. You helped us in the journey because you believe in our ideology and you understand it deeply."</p>

<p>"I want to remind Congress workers that whether it is Bihar or any other state, you are our 'Babbar Sher (lion)'. You fight for ideology and it is the job of the Congress to protect you. It is the duty of all of us, the leaders, to protect the workers of the Congress," Gandhi told the party workers.</p>

<p>Later in a tweet in Hindi, Gandhi said, "We, the ones who unite India, will defeat those who divide India."</p>

<p>Gandhi along with Congress chief Kharge and a host of other party leaders participated in the Opposition meeting to chart a roadmap to take on the BJP in the 2024 general elections.</p>

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Opposition parties are together going to defeat the BJP in the 2024 general elections, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Friday and claimed a battle was on between his party's "'Bharat Jodo' ideology and the BJP's 'Bharat Todo' thinking".

Opposition parties are together going to defeat the BJP in the 2024 general elections, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Friday and claimed a battle was on between his party's "'Bharat Jodo' ideology and the BJP's 'Bharat Todo' thinking". Underscoring the importance of unity in party ranks, he also claimed the Congress would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections in Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana. Accusing the BJP of working to "divide India and spread hate and violence", he asserted that a fight of ideologies was going on in India. "On the one hand, there is the Congress' 'Bharat Jodo' ideology and the BJP and RSS' 'Bharat Todo' thinking is on the other hand," Gandhi said while addressing a large gathering of Congress workers and leaders at the party office in the Sadaqat Ashram area here. ALSO READ | Rahul Gandhi embarks on truck journey in US, engages in candid conversation with driver That is why we have come here because the DNA of the Congress is in Bihar, the former party chief said. "All Opposition parties have come here and together we are going to defeat the BJP," he said. Top leaders of Opposition parties went into a huddle in Patna on Friday to chalk out a roadmap for the formation of an anti-BJP front for next year's general elections. The meeting was hosted by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of the JD(U) and his deputy Tejashwi Yadav of the RJD. Gandhi said that in Karnataka, BJP leaders gave speeches and went everywhere "but the result is there for you to see". "As soon as the Congress stood united, the BJP disappeared in Karnataka. I am saying it from this stage that the BJP will be nowhere in Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh and the Congress will win," Gandhi claimed and added that this would happen because "we stand with the poor". Asserting that the Congress was working to unite people and spread love, he said, "You know it very well that hate cannot be countered with hate. Only love can counter hate and we fight against hate. That's why we talk about love." WATCH | Karnataka Elections 2023: BJP to introspect why it couldn't dominate in the state × The former Congress chief claimed that the whole country has understood that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP work for the benefit of only two to three people, and are "handing over the entire country's wealth to them". "The Congress means standing with the poor, meeting them, hugging them and working for them," he said. Gandhi began his address by asking Congress workers "How is the mood", to which they replied, "It is good". He thanked them for their contribution and support to the Bharat Jodo Yatra. "(During the yatra) I used to ask people in every state where are you from. Many used to say that 'I come from Bihar'. People from Bihar accompanied us everywhere -- Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra, Telangana, Maharashtra. You helped us in the journey because you believe in our ideology and you understand it deeply." "I want to remind Congress workers that whether it is Bihar or any other state, you are our 'Babbar Sher (lion)'. You fight for ideology and it is the job of the Congress to protect you. It is the duty of all of us, the leaders, to protect the workers of the Congress," Gandhi told the party workers. Later in a tweet in Hindi, Gandhi said, "We, the ones who unite India, will defeat those who divide India." Gandhi along with Congress chief Kharge and a host of other party leaders participated in the Opposition meeting to chart a roadmap to take on the BJP in the 2024 general elections. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

India: Rahul Gandhi says opposition parties going to defeat BJP together

<p>Congress leader, Rahul Gandhi, during his recent visit to the United States, took a truck ride with driver Taljinder Singh Vicky Gill from Washington to New York.</p>

<p>The two engaged in a candid conversation where the Congress party leader enquired about the challenges the Indian-origin truck drivers faced in the United States. They further discussed similarities, differences in the working conditions of both India and America.</p>

<p>Gandhi had earlier shared the experience of a similar ride from Delhi to Chandigarh where he spoke to the truck drivers to understand the problems they were facing.</p>

<p>Gandhi further put out the video of his 190 km ride on his official YouTube handle.</p>

<p>“Continuing on my journey to listen to a variety of voices, I recently went on a 190 km ‘American Truck Yatra’ from Washington DC to New York. Much like my Truck Yatra from Delhi to Chandigarh here in India, I enjoyed a candid heart-to-heart conversation - this time centred around the everyday lives of Indian-origin Truck drivers in America,” he wrote in the&nbsp;video’s description.</p>

<p>“Was happy to find out that our brothers in America earn fair wages, and work in a system that is focused on the ‘Driver’s comfort’. The hardworking Truck drivers’ community in India deserves a life of dignity too, and an inclusive vision that takes them forward is bound to have a positive cascading effect on the economy of our entire country,” he further added.</p>

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<p>During their ride, Gandhi noted that the trucks in the United States were designed as per the needs and comfort of the driver, something that according to him was not being taken care of in the Indian vehicles.</p>

<p>The Congress leader also remarked that the truck drivers in India were struggling to make ends meet, whereas their American counterparts were receiving decent wages.</p>

<p>“Trucks in India have nothing to do with the comfort of drivers and in comparison, with India, safety in the US roads are much better,” Gandhi said.</p>

<p>“As compared to India we earn a lot and drivers here earn anywhere between $8-10k (Rs. 8-10 lakhs) every month. There is a lot of work here and people who don’t have an opportunity to study or invest in a business they can opt to be a truck driver in the US. We are happy with our families in the US as truck drivers which is difficult to comprehend in India,” the driver, Taljinder Singh, replied to Gandhi.</p>

<p>The Congress party released a statement saying that there were a lot of lessons that could be drawn from the American industry and incorporated in India.</p>

<p>"There are a lot of lessons we can draw from the American truck industry to plan a new vision for the truck industry here in India. Indian truck drivers are the lifeline of our logistics and deserve a life of dignity too," the statement said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Congress leader, Rahul Gandhi, during his recent visit to the United States, took a truck ride with driver Taljinder Singh Vicky Gill from Washington to New York.

Congress leader, Rahul Gandhi, during his recent visit to the United States, took a truck ride with driver Taljinder Singh Vicky Gill from Washington to New York. The two engaged in a candid conversation where the Congress party leader enquired about the challenges the Indian-origin truck drivers faced in the United States. They further discussed similarities, differences in the working conditions of both India and America. Gandhi had earlier shared the experience of a similar ride from Delhi to Chandigarh where he spoke to the truck drivers to understand the problems they were facing. Gandhi further put out the video of his 190 km ride on his official YouTube handle. “Continuing on my journey to listen to a variety of voices, I recently went on a 190 km ‘American Truck Yatra’ from Washington DC to New York. Much like my Truck Yatra from Delhi to Chandigarh here in India, I enjoyed a candid heart-to-heart conversation - this time centred around the everyday lives of Indian-origin Truck drivers in America,” he wrote in the video’s description. “Was happy to find out that our brothers in America earn fair wages, and work in a system that is focused on the ‘Driver’s comfort’. The hardworking Truck drivers’ community in India deserves a life of dignity too, and an inclusive vision that takes them forward is bound to have a positive cascading effect on the economy of our entire country,” he further added. × During their ride, Gandhi noted that the trucks in the United States were designed as per the needs and comfort of the driver, something that according to him was not being taken care of in the Indian vehicles. The Congress leader also remarked that the truck drivers in India were struggling to make ends meet, whereas their American counterparts were receiving decent wages. “Trucks in India have nothing to do with the comfort of drivers and in comparison, with India, safety in the US roads are much better,” Gandhi said. “As compared to India we earn a lot and drivers here earn anywhere between $8-10k (Rs. 8-10 lakhs) every month. There is a lot of work here and people who don’t have an opportunity to study or invest in a business they can opt to be a truck driver in the US. We are happy with our families in the US as truck drivers which is difficult to comprehend in India,” the driver, Taljinder Singh, replied to Gandhi. The Congress party released a statement saying that there were a lot of lessons that could be drawn from the American industry and incorporated in India. "There are a lot of lessons we can draw from the American truck industry to plan a new vision for the truck industry here in India. Indian truck drivers are the lifeline of our logistics and deserve a life of dignity too," the statement said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Rahul Gandhi embarks on truck journey in US, engages in candid conversation with driver

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<p>Ex-parliamentarian Rahul Gandhi has continued his attacks on the ruling BJP government in India during his USA visit. On Sunday, the Congress leader hit out at the BJP over the recent Odisha triple-train accident saying the saffron party always looks back and passes the blame.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"You ask them (BJP) anything, they will look back and pass the blame. Ask them why the train accident (in Odisha) took place, and they (BJP) will say Congress did this 50 years ago," said Gandhi while addressing the Indian diaspora in New York.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Their immediate response is&nbsp;<em>peeche dekho</em>&nbsp;(look in history)."</p>

<p>Gandhi cited an example of a previous train accident that occurred during Congress' tenure and said the then minister (without naming him/her) resigned from the post.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I remember a train accident when the Congress was in power. The Congress did not get up and say 'Now it is the fault of the British that the train has crashed'. The Congress minister said 'It's my responsibility and I'm resigning'. So this is the problem we have back home, we make excuses and we are not accepting the reality we are faced with,"</p>

<p>The Congress leader who was ripped off his parliamentarian tag by an Indian court, trained his guns on PM Modi and said he was attempting to drive India forward by looking in the rear-view mirror.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) is trying to drive the car...the Indian car and he looks in the rear-view mirror. Then he does not understand why this car is crashing, not moving forward. And it's the same idea with the BJP, with the RSS. All of them. You listen to the ministers, you listen to the prime minister. You will never find them talking about the future. They only talk about the past."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/odisha-train-tragedy-railway-minister-root-cause-of-the-incident-identified-600427" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH | Odisha Train Tragedy | Railway Minister: Root cause of the incident identified</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>What happened in Odisha?</strong></h2>

<p>A collision between two passenger trains and a goods train in the eastern Indian state of Odisha's Balasore over the weekend resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 275 individuals, with approximately 900 others sustaining injuries.</p>

<p>The Howrah Superfast Express derailed and became entangled with the Coromandel Express, South Eastern Railway authorities said. A goods train too was part of the massive collision, making it one of the deadliest train accidents India has ever witnessed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to media reports citing sources, the Indian Railways is investigating the possibility of a signalling error as the prima facie cause of the train derailment.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/odisha-train-crash-survivors-recount-horror-restoration-work-begins-as-modi-lauds-humane-reaction-of-locals-600256"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Odisha train crash: Survivors recount horror; restoration work begins as PM lauds locals’ courage, compassion</strong></a></p>

<p>PM Modi visited the accident site and vowed to find the guilty parties and take stringent punishment against them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's a painful incident. Govt will leave no stone unturned for the treatment of those injured. It's a serious incident, instructions issued for probe from every angle. Those found guilty will be punished stringently. Railway is working towards track restoration. I met the injured victims," said PM Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Ex-parliamentarian Rahul Gandhi has continued his attacks on the ruling BJP government in India during his USA visit. On Sunday, the Congress leader hit out at the BJP over the recent Odisha triple-train accident saying the saffron party always looks back and passes the blame.

Ex-parliamentarian Rahul Gandhi has continued his attacks on the ruling BJP government in India during his USA visit. On Sunday, the Congress leader hit out at the BJP over the recent Odisha triple-train accident saying the saffron party always looks back and passes the blame. "You ask them (BJP) anything, they will look back and pass the blame. Ask them why the train accident (in Odisha) took place, and they (BJP) will say Congress did this 50 years ago," said Gandhi while addressing the Indian diaspora in New York. "Their immediate response is peeche dekho (look in history)." Gandhi cited an example of a previous train accident that occurred during Congress' tenure and said the then minister (without naming him/her) resigned from the post. "I remember a train accident when the Congress was in power. The Congress did not get up and say 'Now it is the fault of the British that the train has crashed'. The Congress minister said 'It's my responsibility and I'm resigning'. So this is the problem we have back home, we make excuses and we are not accepting the reality we are faced with," The Congress leader who was ripped off his parliamentarian tag by an Indian court, trained his guns on PM Modi and said he was attempting to drive India forward by looking in the rear-view mirror. "He (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) is trying to drive the car...the Indian car and he looks in the rear-view mirror. Then he does not understand why this car is crashing, not moving forward. And it's the same idea with the BJP, with the RSS. All of them. You listen to the ministers, you listen to the prime minister. You will never find them talking about the future. They only talk about the past." WATCH | Odisha Train Tragedy | Railway Minister: Root cause of the incident identified × What happened in Odisha? A collision between two passenger trains and a goods train in the eastern Indian state of Odisha's Balasore over the weekend resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 275 individuals, with approximately 900 others sustaining injuries. The Howrah Superfast Express derailed and became entangled with the Coromandel Express, South Eastern Railway authorities said. A goods train too was part of the massive collision, making it one of the deadliest train accidents India has ever witnessed. According to media reports citing sources, the Indian Railways is investigating the possibility of a signalling error as the prima facie cause of the train derailment. Also read | Odisha train crash: Survivors recount horror; restoration work begins as PM lauds locals’ courage, compassion PM Modi visited the accident site and vowed to find the guilty parties and take stringent punishment against them. "It's a painful incident. Govt will leave no stone unturned for the treatment of those injured. It's a serious incident, instructions issued for probe from every angle. Those found guilty will be punished stringently. Railway is working towards track restoration. I met the injured victims," said PM Modi. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Rahul Gandhi in US: Congress leader attacks PM Modi, BJP and RSS over Odisha train tragedy

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<p>India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Saturday (June 3) took a veiled dig at Rahul Gandhi over his comments in the United States earlier this week. Addressing Indian-Americans in Santa Clara, Gandhi, the leader of the opposition Congress party called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a specimen and attacked his government's policies on various issues.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hitting out at Prime Minister Modi, Gandhi said, "I think if you sat Modi ji down next to god Modi ji would start explaining to god how the universe works. And god would get confused that what have I created.” The Congress leader's remarks on Modi were criticised by many ministers and leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Jaishankar's veiled dig at Gandhi</strong></h2>

<p>On being asked about Rahul Gandhi's remarks, EAM Jaishankar said that there were sometimes things bigger than politics when one steps outside the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There are sometimes, things bigger than politics &amp; when you step outside the country, that is important to remember...I differ with them but how I counter it, I would like to go home and do it. Watch me when I get back," Jaishankar said at a diaspora event in Cape Town after attending the meeting of BRICS foreign ministers, the news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | There are things "bigger than politics" when you go abroad, says India's EAM <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrSJaishankar</a>, days after Congress leader <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RahulGandhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RahulGandhi</a> repeatedly attacked Indian PM Narendra Modi and his government during his visit to the US<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SJaishankar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SJaishankar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NarendraModi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NarendraModi</a><br />
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<p>Jaishankar added that he could talk for himself and did not do politics while travelling abroad. "I'm perfectly prepared to argue and argue very vigorously at home. Okay, so you will never find me wanting in that regard," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-leader-rahul-gandhi-endorses-modis-stance-on-russia-ukraine-war-599489">Congress leader Rahul Gandhi backs Modi government's stance on Russia-Ukraine war</a></strong></p>

<p>The EAM further pointed out that even a democratic culture has a collective responsibility. "There is a national interest there is a collective image. There are sometimes things bigger than politics and when you step outside the country, I think that's important to remember," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"So I might differ strongly with someone. I could say to you, I differ with them. But how I counter it, I would like to go back home and do it. And watch me when I get back," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'India no longer lumbering around at relatively slow pace'</strong></h2>

<p>During Saturday's Cape Town event, Jaishankar also said that India was no longer lumbering around at a relatively slow pace and lauded the scale of change taking place in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When it comes to digital, I can assert with a great deal of confidence, that I see practices (and) efficiencies in India which I don't see even if I go to Europe and North America," Jaishankar said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When we speak about the pace of transformation of these nine years, is really something that I think the Indian community abroad, the non-residents abroad and I would say even the friends and well-wishers of India abroad need to understand is something very powerful and very big that is going on," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The EAM also highlighted the achievements of the Narendra Modi government in its nine years in office through policy reforms and actions in various areas to raise the self-reliance of the citizens.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"A self-reliant India is not a protectionist India that is closing itself to the world. It is an India that is actually making more in India but making more for the world and making more with the world."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Saturday (June 3) took a veiled dig at Rahul Gandhi over his comments in the United States earlier this week.

India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Saturday (June 3) took a veiled dig at Rahul Gandhi over his comments in the United States earlier this week. Addressing Indian-Americans in Santa Clara, Gandhi, the leader of the opposition Congress party called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a specimen and attacked his government's policies on various issues. Hitting out at Prime Minister Modi, Gandhi said, "I think if you sat Modi ji down next to god Modi ji would start explaining to god how the universe works. And god would get confused that what have I created.” The Congress leader's remarks on Modi were criticised by many ministers and leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Jaishankar's veiled dig at Gandhi On being asked about Rahul Gandhi's remarks, EAM Jaishankar said that there were sometimes things bigger than politics when one steps outside the country. "There are sometimes, things bigger than politics & when you step outside the country, that is important to remember...I differ with them but how I counter it, I would like to go home and do it. Watch me when I get back," Jaishankar said at a diaspora event in Cape Town after attending the meeting of BRICS foreign ministers, the news agency ANI reported. #WATCH | There are things "bigger than politics" when you go abroad, says India's EAM @DrSJaishankar, days after Congress leader #RahulGandhi repeatedly attacked Indian PM Narendra Modi and his government during his visit to the US#SJaishankar #NarendraModi Courtesy: ANI pic.twitter.com/GvlmKIfrsP — WION (@WIONews) June 4, 2023 × Jaishankar added that he could talk for himself and did not do politics while travelling abroad. "I'm perfectly prepared to argue and argue very vigorously at home. Okay, so you will never find me wanting in that regard," he said. ALSO READ | Congress leader Rahul Gandhi backs Modi government's stance on Russia-Ukraine war The EAM further pointed out that even a democratic culture has a collective responsibility. "There is a national interest there is a collective image. There are sometimes things bigger than politics and when you step outside the country, I think that's important to remember," he said. "So I might differ strongly with someone. I could say to you, I differ with them. But how I counter it, I would like to go back home and do it. And watch me when I get back," he added. 'India no longer lumbering around at relatively slow pace' During Saturday's Cape Town event, Jaishankar also said that India was no longer lumbering around at a relatively slow pace and lauded the scale of change taking place in the country. "When it comes to digital, I can assert with a great deal of confidence, that I see practices (and) efficiencies in India which I don't see even if I go to Europe and North America," Jaishankar said. "When we speak about the pace of transformation of these nine years, is really something that I think the Indian community abroad, the non-residents abroad and I would say even the friends and well-wishers of India abroad need to understand is something very powerful and very big that is going on," he added. The EAM also highlighted the achievements of the Narendra Modi government in its nine years in office through policy reforms and actions in various areas to raise the self-reliance of the citizens. "A self-reliant India is not a protectionist India that is closing itself to the world. It is an India that is actually making more in India but making more for the world and making more with the world." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Things bigger than politics when...: S Jaishankar's veiled dig at Rahul Gandhi for his remarks in US

<p>A war of words started between Indian politicians of different parties after Indian National Congress (INC) leader Rahul Gandhi Congress leader Rahul Gandhi claimed that the Indian Union Muslim League "completely secular party".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress party said that the party he referred to was different from the Muslim League, for which the BJP has "more love". The opposition party also recalled when LK Advani had hailed Muslim League's leader Muhammad Ali Jinnah.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The comments were made when Gandhi was speaking during an interaction with journalists at the National Press Club in Washington DC on Thursday (June 1).&nbsp;</p>

<p>On being asked about Congress's alliance with the Muslim League in the South Indian state of Kerala, Gandhi said, "Muslim League is a completely secular party, there is nothing non-secular about them. I think the person (reporter) hasn't studied the Muslim League."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders alleged that the Kerala party is guided by the same mindset which was behind Jinnah's All India Muslim League.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But in response to that, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh tweeted, "Shyama Prasad Mookerjee was in league with the Muslim League in the government in Bengal when (Mahatma) Gandhiji launched Quit India movement. SPM was singularly responsible for the partition of Bengal."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Further, he tagged a tweet by Congress leader Amitabh Dubey who had slammed BJP IT department head Amit Malviya for his criticism of Gandhi, saying "You're confusing the Kerala-based IUML he is talking about with Jinnah's Muslim League that took Savarkar's two-nation theory to its logical conclusion."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dubey said, "The same Muslim League with whom BJP founder SP Mukherjee and Hindu Mahasabha formed coalition governments in Bengal, Sind, NWFP (North-West Frontier Province)."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress' media department head Pawan Khera said, "Those with entire political science (degree) should have some knowledge of the politics of their country." Khera mentioned that Muhammad Ismail, the founder of the Indian Union Muslim League, was a member of the Constituent Assembly. He said that during the war with China, his son Miyan Khan had joined the Indian Army.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While speaking at a press conference at the AICC headquarters, Gourav Vallabh said here that the party Gandhi referred to is IUML which is a registered political party in India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vallabh said, "Is a registered party in India not a secular party? Does the Election Commission get ineligible parties registered? I would like to remind the BJP that this is not the party with which Syama Prasad Mookerjee aligned to form the government in Bengal."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, "That Muslim League of Jinnah is different, with which you formed the government. Rahul Gandhi has not talked about that Muslim League but the thing is that you have more love for that party, therefore, you think that the party being talked about is the one whose founder was Jinnah."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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A war of words started between Indian politicians of different parties after Indian National Congress (INC) leader Rahul Gandhi Congress leader Rahul Gandhi claimed that the Indian Union Muslim League "completely secular party".

A war of words started between Indian politicians of different parties after Indian National Congress (INC) leader Rahul Gandhi Congress leader Rahul Gandhi claimed that the Indian Union Muslim League "completely secular party". Congress party said that the party he referred to was different from the Muslim League, for which the BJP has "more love". The opposition party also recalled when LK Advani had hailed Muslim League's leader Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The comments were made when Gandhi was speaking during an interaction with journalists at the National Press Club in Washington DC on Thursday (June 1). On being asked about Congress's alliance with the Muslim League in the South Indian state of Kerala, Gandhi said, "Muslim League is a completely secular party, there is nothing non-secular about them. I think the person (reporter) hasn't studied the Muslim League." Watch: #WATCH | Washington, DC: ..." Muslim League is a completely secular party, there is nothing non-secular about the Muslim League...": Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on being asked about Congress's alliance with Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) in Kerala pic.twitter.com/wXWa7t1bb0 — ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2023 × Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders alleged that the Kerala party is guided by the same mindset which was behind Jinnah's All India Muslim League. But in response to that, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh tweeted, "Shyama Prasad Mookerjee was in league with the Muslim League in the government in Bengal when (Mahatma) Gandhiji launched Quit India movement. SPM was singularly responsible for the partition of Bengal." Further, he tagged a tweet by Congress leader Amitabh Dubey who had slammed BJP IT department head Amit Malviya for his criticism of Gandhi, saying "You're confusing the Kerala-based IUML he is talking about with Jinnah's Muslim League that took Savarkar's two-nation theory to its logical conclusion." Dubey said, "The same Muslim League with whom BJP founder SP Mukherjee and Hindu Mahasabha formed coalition governments in Bengal, Sind, NWFP (North-West Frontier Province)." Congress' media department head Pawan Khera said, "Those with entire political science (degree) should have some knowledge of the politics of their country." Khera mentioned that Muhammad Ismail, the founder of the Indian Union Muslim League, was a member of the Constituent Assembly. He said that during the war with China, his son Miyan Khan had joined the Indian Army. While speaking at a press conference at the AICC headquarters, Gourav Vallabh said here that the party Gandhi referred to is IUML which is a registered political party in India. Vallabh said, "Is a registered party in India not a secular party? Does the Election Commission get ineligible parties registered? I would like to remind the BJP that this is not the party with which Syama Prasad Mookerjee aligned to form the government in Bengal." He said, "That Muslim League of Jinnah is different, with which you formed the government. Rahul Gandhi has not talked about that Muslim League but the thing is that you have more love for that party, therefore, you think that the party being talked about is the one whose founder was Jinnah." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: Political row erupts over Rahul Gandhi's ‘secular’ remark on IUML

<p>Suspended Indian lawmaker and top Congress leader Rahul Gandhi backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's stance on the ongoing war in Ukraine. Speaking during his ongoing US tour, the beleaguered dynast of the Indian opposition party said that he would have responded to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine quite similarly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India has called for the cessation of hostilities between Russia and Ukraine, with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi openly telling Russian President Vladimir Putin that this "is not an era of war". At the same time, unlike the West and countries in the Indo-Pacific, New Delhi has avoided an open and explicit deploring of the Russian actions in Ukraine.</p>

<p>"We have a relationship with Russia. We have had a relationship with Russia. We have certain dependencies on them," Rahul Gandhi said at Washington's National Press Club on June 1. "So I would have a very similar stance as the government of India. At the end of the day, we have to also look out for our interests."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-rahul-gandhi-takes-jibe-at-pm-modi-says-he-can-even-explain-god-how-universe-works-598632">Ghost of Sikh riots haunts Rahul Gandhi's California visit, leader gets heckled by Khalistanis</a></strong></p>

<p>In March, India was described by the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov as the only country with which Moscow shares a "special and privileged strategic partnership", a relationship cultivated over decades when the persons from Rahul Gandhi's family occupied the Prime Minister's Office in New Delhi.</p>

<p>As the world's largest arms importer, India depends on Russia for nearly half its military supplies, and has bought fighter jets, tanks, nuclear submarines and an aircraft carrier over the decades.</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi also stressed that the relations between India and the United States were important. "It’s important to have a defence relationship. But I think we need to also consider other areas (of cooperation)," he said.</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi also said that there is a "hidden undercurrent" across India which will "surprise" the world in terms of the upcoming national elections in 2024.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi: Will continue to raise questions over tycoon Adani</strong></p>

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<p>While referring to the current status of opposition unity, Rahul said: "The opposition is pretty well united, and it’s getting more and&nbsp;more united."</p>

<p>"We are having conversations with all the Opposition (parties). I think quite a lot of good work is happening there," he said.</p>

<p>"It’s a complicated discussion because there are spaces where we are competing with the Opposition. So a bit of give and take is required. But I am confident that it (a grand Opposition alliance against the BJP at the Centre) will happen."</p>

<p>The former Congress president expressed confidence that his party's electoral fortunes would rise in the immediate future.</p>

<p>"I think the Congress party will do very well in the next two years. I think it will," the former Member of Parliament said.</p>

<p>"Wait and watch the next three or four state elections... which is a better indicator of what is going to happen," he said, while referring to the state elections in a number of states scheduled for later this year.</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi is on a six-day visit to the United States.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After two days in California's Bay Area, he is currently in Washington DC to engage with think tank communities and the press in the US capital on Thursday.</p>

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Suspended Indian lawmaker and top Congress leader Rahul Gandhi backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's stance on the ongoing war in Ukraine. Speaking during his ongoing US tour, the beleaguered dynast of the Indian opposition party said that he would have responded to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine quite similarly.

Suspended Indian lawmaker and top Congress leader Rahul Gandhi backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's stance on the ongoing war in Ukraine. Speaking during his ongoing US tour, the beleaguered dynast of the Indian opposition party said that he would have responded to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine quite similarly. India has called for the cessation of hostilities between Russia and Ukraine, with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi openly telling Russian President Vladimir Putin that this "is not an era of war". At the same time, unlike the West and countries in the Indo-Pacific, New Delhi has avoided an open and explicit deploring of the Russian actions in Ukraine. "We have a relationship with Russia. We have had a relationship with Russia. We have certain dependencies on them," Rahul Gandhi said at Washington's National Press Club on June 1. "So I would have a very similar stance as the government of India. At the end of the day, we have to also look out for our interests." Also read | Ghost of Sikh riots haunts Rahul Gandhi's California visit, leader gets heckled by Khalistanis In March, India was described by the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov as the only country with which Moscow shares a "special and privileged strategic partnership", a relationship cultivated over decades when the persons from Rahul Gandhi's family occupied the Prime Minister's Office in New Delhi. As the world's largest arms importer, India depends on Russia for nearly half its military supplies, and has bought fighter jets, tanks, nuclear submarines and an aircraft carrier over the decades. Rahul Gandhi also stressed that the relations between India and the United States were important. "It’s important to have a defence relationship. But I think we need to also consider other areas (of cooperation)," he said. Rahul Gandhi also said that there is a "hidden undercurrent" across India which will "surprise" the world in terms of the upcoming national elections in 2024. Also watch | Rahul Gandhi: Will continue to raise questions over tycoon Adani × While referring to the current status of opposition unity, Rahul said: "The opposition is pretty well united, and it’s getting more and more united." "We are having conversations with all the Opposition (parties). I think quite a lot of good work is happening there," he said. "It’s a complicated discussion because there are spaces where we are competing with the Opposition. So a bit of give and take is required. But I am confident that it (a grand Opposition alliance against the BJP at the Centre) will happen." The former Congress president expressed confidence that his party's electoral fortunes would rise in the immediate future. "I think the Congress party will do very well in the next two years. I think it will," the former Member of Parliament said. "Wait and watch the next three or four state elections... which is a better indicator of what is going to happen," he said, while referring to the state elections in a number of states scheduled for later this year. Rahul Gandhi is on a six-day visit to the United States. After two days in California's Bay Area, he is currently in Washington DC to engage with think tank communities and the press in the US capital on Thursday. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi backs Modi government's stance on Russia-Ukraine war

<p>A Delhi court, on Friday, partially allowed an application moved by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi seeking a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the issuance of an "ordinary passport".</p>

<p>The Rouse Avenue Court of Delhi granted the no-objection certificate to India’s top opposition leader for 3 years.</p>

<p>On Friday, the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Vaibhav Mehta said that Gandhi is granted NOC valid for 3 years.</p>

<p>"People who have been involved in graver offences have been granted passports for ten years. It includes 2G and Coal scam etc. Issuance of passport for ten years is given as a matter of routine," advocate Cheema added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Former Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy, during earlier submissions, filed the reply in the Delhi Court, opposing the Congress party leader's plea and submitted that the applicant (Rahul Gandhi) has no-valid or effective reason for the passport to be issued for 10 years.</p>

<p>In the reply, it is submitted that "the application is devoid of any merit for issuance of passport for 10 years."</p>

<p>He further in his reply submitted that the court may exercise the prudence to give permission after investigating and examining all the other matters that are correlated before deciding on the litigation of the applicant in the broad spectrum of areas of justice and law.</p>

<p>He added that at this stage, the NOC for the passport for the applicant may not be more than one year and may be reviewed annually or as deemed fit by this court. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"The right to hold a passport, like all other Fundamental Rights, is not an absolute Right and is subject to reasonable restrictions imposed by the Government in the interest of national security, public order, morality, and prevention of crime," Swamy added.</p>

<p>The Delhi Court had asked Subramanian Swamy, on Wednesday (May 24), to file his written submissions by Friday while hearing the plea for a fresh passport by Rahul Gandhi, who is an accused in the National Herald case.</p>

<p>Gandhi, who moved to the court seeking NOC to secure an ordinary passport, had surrendered his diplomatic travel document after his disqualification as an MP.</p>

<h2><strong>No pending criminal cases against Gandhi, says counsel</strong></h2>

<p>Counsel for Gandhi, Advocate Tarannum Cheema, who appeared along with advocates Nikhil Bhalla and Sumit Kumar, pursued the grant of the no objection certificate (NOC), stating that there are 'no criminal cases pending' against him, as per news agency ANI.</p>

<p>"The applicant ceased to be a Member of Parliament in March 2023 and as such he surrendered his diplomatic passport and is applying for a fresh ordinary passport. By way of the present application, the applicant is seeking permission and no objection from this Court for issuance of a fresh ordinary passport to him."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi's advocates submitted that there are no criminal proceedings pending and that travelling abroad is a fundamental right.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A Delhi court, on Friday, partially allowed an application moved by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi seeking a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the issuance of an "ordinary passport".

A Delhi court, on Friday, partially allowed an application moved by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi seeking a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the issuance of an "ordinary passport". The Rouse Avenue Court of Delhi granted the no-objection certificate to India’s top opposition leader for 3 years. On Friday, the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Vaibhav Mehta said that Gandhi is granted NOC valid for 3 years. "People who have been involved in graver offences have been granted passports for ten years. It includes 2G and Coal scam etc. Issuance of passport for ten years is given as a matter of routine," advocate Cheema added. Former Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy, during earlier submissions, filed the reply in the Delhi Court, opposing the Congress party leader's plea and submitted that the applicant (Rahul Gandhi) has no-valid or effective reason for the passport to be issued for 10 years. In the reply, it is submitted that "the application is devoid of any merit for issuance of passport for 10 years." He further in his reply submitted that the court may exercise the prudence to give permission after investigating and examining all the other matters that are correlated before deciding on the litigation of the applicant in the broad spectrum of areas of justice and law. He added that at this stage, the NOC for the passport for the applicant may not be more than one year and may be reviewed annually or as deemed fit by this court. "The right to hold a passport, like all other Fundamental Rights, is not an absolute Right and is subject to reasonable restrictions imposed by the Government in the interest of national security, public order, morality, and prevention of crime," Swamy added. The Delhi Court had asked Subramanian Swamy, on Wednesday (May 24), to file his written submissions by Friday while hearing the plea for a fresh passport by Rahul Gandhi, who is an accused in the National Herald case. Gandhi, who moved to the court seeking NOC to secure an ordinary passport, had surrendered his diplomatic travel document after his disqualification as an MP. No pending criminal cases against Gandhi, says counsel Counsel for Gandhi, Advocate Tarannum Cheema, who appeared along with advocates Nikhil Bhalla and Sumit Kumar, pursued the grant of the no objection certificate (NOC), stating that there are 'no criminal cases pending' against him, as per news agency ANI. "The applicant ceased to be a Member of Parliament in March 2023 and as such he surrendered his diplomatic passport and is applying for a fresh ordinary passport. By way of the present application, the applicant is seeking permission and no objection from this Court for issuance of a fresh ordinary passport to him." Rahul Gandhi's advocates submitted that there are no criminal proceedings pending and that travelling abroad is a fundamental right. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Delhi court grants No Objection Certificate to Rahul Gandhi for issuance of ‘ordinary passport’ for 3 years

<p>A notice was sent to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi by the provost of Delhi University's postgraduate men's hostel over his "sudden" visit to the facility, stating that "such conduct from a leader of a National Party who has Z-plus security is beyond dignity".</p>

<p>Gandhi was sent a two-page note by Provost KP Singh which said that the incident can be categorised as “trespass” and irresponsible behaviour by the leader, as he asked him to "cease and desist" from taking any similar steps in the future.</p>

<p>The provost said that the "unexpected entry" of Gandhi and the three vehicles into the premises violated the hostel's prescribed rules.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rahul Gandhi Ji visited the hostels of Delhi University, North Campus. He interacted with students, and listened to their problems.<br />
<br />
ABVP students wanted to talk to him, he went to their hostel and listened to their queries. ❤️<br />
<br />
Full interaction will be out soon on his YouTube… <a href="https://t.co/y0pNFQLz6c">pic.twitter.com/y0pNFQLz6c</a></p>
— Shantanu (@shaandelhite) <a href="https://twitter.com/shaandelhite/status/1654514989468897280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>In the notice sent, the provost mentioned Handbook of Information and Rules of the Hostel's rule 15.13 which states, "No resident shall indulge in any activity in the Hostel premises other than academic and residents council activities."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-day-new-look-rahul-gandhi-trims-beard-hair-for-cambridge-lecture-567165">New day, new look: Rahul Gandhi trims beard, hair for Cambridge lecture</a></p>

<p>Gandhi had visited the university's Post-Graduate Men's Hostel on Friday where he interacted with a few students and shared lunch with them.</p>

<p>"The Management Committee of the Hostel in its emergent meeting held on 06.05.2023 in the presence of Dean Students' Welfare and Proctor of the University of Delhi has unanimously decided and resolved that such a conduct from a leader of a National Party who has Z-plus security is beyond dignity," the notice read.</p>

<p>"The Hostel is governed by the University of Delhi Act, 1922 and its Statutes, Ordinances, Regulations and its own 'Rules of Residence', 'Rules regarding Dining Hal' and 'Guests' for the smooth functioning and welfare of its resident students' and for maintaining proper discipline,” it further added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rahul Gandhi also joined to have lunch with the students of Delhi University at hostel and had good conversation. <a href="https://t.co/y1CayL0cek">pic.twitter.com/y1CayL0cek</a></p>
— Aaron Mathew (@AaronMathewINC) <a href="https://twitter.com/AaronMathewINC/status/1654442341196005377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Needless to mention the Administration of the Hostel reserves the right to stop any activity which according to the administration goes against the prescribed rules. As an important part of the maintenance of proper discipline in the hostel, it is clearly stipulated in Rule 15.13 of the Handbook of Information and Rules of the Hostel," the notice stated.</p>

<p>The chairman along with the members of the hostels's Management Committee have condemned the incident which they say amounts to trespass and irresponsible behaviour, the notice read.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Rahul Gandhi: India court dismisses Congress leader's appeal against conviction</strong></p>

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<p>"Moreover, such an incident had put all the persons present in the hostel at that time to grave and imminent risk of bodily harm and safety. In view of above, you are required to cease and desist from taking any such untoward step in future for the wellbeing, safe keep of the hostel residents, staff and the authorities," the notice stated.</p>

<p>A day after Gandhi had visited the hostel, a sharp statement was issued by Delhi University, saying that the "sudden and unauthorised" entry had raised serious concerns over the security of the students living in the hostel. "University authorities will take necessary steps to avoid such incidents of this trespassing and will ensure that this does not happen in future again," it stated.</p>

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A notice was sent to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi by the provost of Delhi University's postgraduate men's hostel over his "sudden" visit to the facility, stating that "such conduct from a leader of a National Party who has Z-plus security is beyond dignity".

A notice was sent to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi by the provost of Delhi University's postgraduate men's hostel over his "sudden" visit to the facility, stating that "such conduct from a leader of a National Party who has Z-plus security is beyond dignity". Gandhi was sent a two-page note by Provost KP Singh which said that the incident can be categorised as “trespass” and irresponsible behaviour by the leader, as he asked him to "cease and desist" from taking any similar steps in the future. The provost said that the "unexpected entry" of Gandhi and the three vehicles into the premises violated the hostel's prescribed rules. Rahul Gandhi Ji visited the hostels of Delhi University, North Campus. He interacted with students, and listened to their problems. ABVP students wanted to talk to him, he went to their hostel and listened to their queries. ❤️ Full interaction will be out soon on his YouTube… pic.twitter.com/y0pNFQLz6c — Shantanu (@shaandelhite) May 5, 2023 × In the notice sent, the provost mentioned Handbook of Information and Rules of the Hostel's rule 15.13 which states, "No resident shall indulge in any activity in the Hostel premises other than academic and residents council activities." ALSO READ | New day, new look: Rahul Gandhi trims beard, hair for Cambridge lecture Gandhi had visited the university's Post-Graduate Men's Hostel on Friday where he interacted with a few students and shared lunch with them. "The Management Committee of the Hostel in its emergent meeting held on 06.05.2023 in the presence of Dean Students' Welfare and Proctor of the University of Delhi has unanimously decided and resolved that such a conduct from a leader of a National Party who has Z-plus security is beyond dignity," the notice read. "The Hostel is governed by the University of Delhi Act, 1922 and its Statutes, Ordinances, Regulations and its own 'Rules of Residence', 'Rules regarding Dining Hal' and 'Guests' for the smooth functioning and welfare of its resident students' and for maintaining proper discipline,” it further added. Rahul Gandhi also joined to have lunch with the students of Delhi University at hostel and had good conversation. pic.twitter.com/y1CayL0cek — Aaron Mathew (@AaronMathewINC) May 5, 2023 × "Needless to mention the Administration of the Hostel reserves the right to stop any activity which according to the administration goes against the prescribed rules. As an important part of the maintenance of proper discipline in the hostel, it is clearly stipulated in Rule 15.13 of the Handbook of Information and Rules of the Hostel," the notice stated. The chairman along with the members of the hostels's Management Committee have condemned the incident which they say amounts to trespass and irresponsible behaviour, the notice read. WATCH | Rahul Gandhi: India court dismisses Congress leader's appeal against conviction "Moreover, such an incident had put all the persons present in the hostel at that time to grave and imminent risk of bodily harm and safety. In view of above, you are required to cease and desist from taking any such untoward step in future for the wellbeing, safe keep of the hostel residents, staff and the authorities," the notice stated. A day after Gandhi had visited the hostel, a sharp statement was issued by Delhi University, saying that the "sudden and unauthorised" entry had raised serious concerns over the security of the students living in the hostel. "University authorities will take necessary steps to avoid such incidents of this trespassing and will ensure that this does not happen in future again," it stated. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India: Delhi University calls Rahul Gandhi's sudden visit an act of 'trespass'

<p>The Gujarat High Court Tuesday rejected the plea filed for interim protection for Rahul Gandhi, India’s top opposition leader from Congress, regarding his conviction in the 'Modi-Thieves' remark case. The Bench of Justice Hemant Prachchhak also reserved its order in the plea filed by Gandhi in which he sought a stay on his conviction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The High Court’s decision will now be made public post-High Court vacations. Senior Advocate Abhishek Singhvi was representing Gandhi in the court while Senior Advocate Nirupam Nanvaty was arguing for the complainant Purnnesh Modi.</p>

<h2><strong>Rahul Gandhi should not make hue and cry: Advocate Nirupam Nanvaty</strong></h2>

<p>Gandhi is seeking a stay on his conviction as it will pave the way for him to get the membership of Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament, back. However, senior advocate Nirupam Nanvaty argued Gandhi must not be granted any relief since he was not showing any remorse for his remarks “against the Modi community.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, “Even after his conviction by the Surat Court, he did not stop from making comments. He (Rahul Gandhi) said that he is not scared of sentence, prison and that he is not going to back down even if disqualified for the rest of his life. This is his public stand.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi convicted, gets bail in 2019 defamation case</strong></p>

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<p>“He also said that he has been given the best gift ever, so then, why is he scared now? You should keep this gift with you...But before the Court, his stand is different,” Nanvaty further added. The advocate also said Gandhi must not raise hue and cry since he doesn’t want to issue an apology in the case.</p>

<h2><strong>Singhvi describes Rahul’s disqualification as a great loss</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, advocate Abhishek Singhvi suggested Rahul’s disqualification undermines the democratic framework of the country. Singhvi argued, "He will lose the present session, the next session, meetings...There is a loss to him, he loses the right to represent the voice of people. The people of the constituency lose their voice. The entire right of collectivity "we the people" is lost.”</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-rahul-gandhi-the-indian-opposition-leader-disqualified-from-parliament-575302">Explained: Who is Rahul Gandhi, the Indian opposition leader disqualified from parliament?</a></strong></p>

<p>He strongly recommended the court suspends all charges against Rahul Gandhi as the alleged offence did not involve the element of moral turpitude, and it was a non-cognizable, bailable and non-serious offence.</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi moved to the Gujarat High Court on April 25 after the Surat Court rejected his plea seeking a stay on his conviction. Now, the High Court will issue a detailed verdict on the case post vacations, which are slated to end in June.</p>

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The Gujarat High Court Tuesday rejected the plea filed for interim protection for Rahul Gandhi, India’s top opposition leader from Congress, regarding his conviction in the 'Modi-Thieves' remark case.

The Gujarat High Court Tuesday rejected the plea filed for interim protection for Rahul Gandhi, India’s top opposition leader from Congress, regarding his conviction in the 'Modi-Thieves' remark case. The Bench of Justice Hemant Prachchhak also reserved its order in the plea filed by Gandhi in which he sought a stay on his conviction. The High Court’s decision will now be made public post-High Court vacations. Senior Advocate Abhishek Singhvi was representing Gandhi in the court while Senior Advocate Nirupam Nanvaty was arguing for the complainant Purnnesh Modi. Rahul Gandhi should not make hue and cry: Advocate Nirupam Nanvaty Gandhi is seeking a stay on his conviction as it will pave the way for him to get the membership of Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament, back. However, senior advocate Nirupam Nanvaty argued Gandhi must not be granted any relief since he was not showing any remorse for his remarks “against the Modi community.” He said, “Even after his conviction by the Surat Court, he did not stop from making comments. He (Rahul Gandhi) said that he is not scared of sentence, prison and that he is not going to back down even if disqualified for the rest of his life. This is his public stand.” Watch: Rahul Gandhi convicted, gets bail in 2019 defamation case × “He also said that he has been given the best gift ever, so then, why is he scared now? You should keep this gift with you...But before the Court, his stand is different,” Nanvaty further added. The advocate also said Gandhi must not raise hue and cry since he doesn’t want to issue an apology in the case. Singhvi describes Rahul’s disqualification as a great loss Meanwhile, advocate Abhishek Singhvi suggested Rahul’s disqualification undermines the democratic framework of the country. Singhvi argued, "He will lose the present session, the next session, meetings...There is a loss to him, he loses the right to represent the voice of people. The people of the constituency lose their voice. The entire right of collectivity "we the people" is lost.” Also Read | Explained: Who is Rahul Gandhi, the Indian opposition leader disqualified from parliament? He strongly recommended the court suspends all charges against Rahul Gandhi as the alleged offence did not involve the element of moral turpitude, and it was a non-cognizable, bailable and non-serious offence. Rahul Gandhi moved to the Gujarat High Court on April 25 after the Surat Court rejected his plea seeking a stay on his conviction. Now, the High Court will issue a detailed verdict on the case post vacations, which are slated to end in June. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Gujarat High Court refuses to entertain Rahul Gandhi’s plea for interim protection, reserves order on stay

<p>The high court in India’s western Gujarat state will hear a plea filed by&nbsp;opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi challenging the order of a lower court in Surat after it refused to stay his conviction in a criminal defamation case over his “Modi surname” remark.</p>

<p>The case will be heard by a new judge after Justice Geeta Gopi recused herself from the hearing, and on April 26 asked the court registry to hand over the case to Chief Justice AJ Desai or assign it to a different bench.</p>

<p>The defamation case will now be heard&nbsp;by Justice Hemant Prachchhak, &nbsp;the cause list published by the high court said.</p>

<p>In his plea, Gandhi has contended the grounds of disproportionate punishment saying that such conviction has caused him irreversible harm by way of losing his Lok Sabha&nbsp;membership.</p>

<p>On March 23, a metropolitan magistrate's court sentenced the former lawmaker to two years in jail after convicting him under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 499 and 500 (criminal defamation) in a 2019 case filed by Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) MLA from Gujarat Purnesh Modi.</p>

<p>Following the verdict, Gandhi, who was the Member of Parliament (MP) from the Wayanad constituency in Kerala, was disqualified under the provisions of the Representation of the People Act.</p>

<p>According to the law, if a member is convicted of any offence for two or more years, his or her seat will be declared vacant. One can only stay in the parliament if the conviction is suspended.</p>

<p>If his conviction is stayed, Rahul Gandhi could be reinstated&nbsp;as the Member of Parliament.</p>

<p>Gandhi challenged the order in a sessions court in Surat along with an application seeking a stay to the conviction. While granting him bail, the court on April 20 refused to stay the conviction.</p>

<p>Following the setback, he had to vacate his official residence in Delhi. The Lok Sabha Housing Committee had sent him a letter to vacate his 12, Tughlaq Lane bungalow, which he had since 2005.</p>

<p>The row erupted during a campaign in 2019 for the Lok Sabha elections when Rahul Gandhi had said, "How come all thieves have the common surname Modi", while targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his surname, which is the same as fugitive businessman Nirav Modi and Lalit Modi.</p>

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The high court in India’s western Gujarat state will hear a plea filed by opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi challenging the order of a lower court in Surat after it refused to stay his conviction in a criminal defamation case over his “Modi surname” remark.

The high court in India’s western Gujarat state will hear a plea filed by opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi challenging the order of a lower court in Surat after it refused to stay his conviction in a criminal defamation case over his “Modi surname” remark. The case will be heard by a new judge after Justice Geeta Gopi recused herself from the hearing, and on April 26 asked the court registry to hand over the case to Chief Justice AJ Desai or assign it to a different bench. The defamation case will now be heard by Justice Hemant Prachchhak, the cause list published by the high court said. In his plea, Gandhi has contended the grounds of disproportionate punishment saying that such conviction has caused him irreversible harm by way of losing his Lok Sabha membership. On March 23, a metropolitan magistrate's court sentenced the former lawmaker to two years in jail after convicting him under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 499 and 500 (criminal defamation) in a 2019 case filed by Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) MLA from Gujarat Purnesh Modi. Following the verdict, Gandhi, who was the Member of Parliament (MP) from the Wayanad constituency in Kerala, was disqualified under the provisions of the Representation of the People Act. According to the law, if a member is convicted of any offence for two or more years, his or her seat will be declared vacant. One can only stay in the parliament if the conviction is suspended. If his conviction is stayed, Rahul Gandhi could be reinstated as the Member of Parliament. Gandhi challenged the order in a sessions court in Surat along with an application seeking a stay to the conviction. While granting him bail, the court on April 20 refused to stay the conviction. Following the setback, he had to vacate his official residence in Delhi. The Lok Sabha Housing Committee had sent him a letter to vacate his 12, Tughlaq Lane bungalow, which he had since 2005. The row erupted during a campaign in 2019 for the Lok Sabha elections when Rahul Gandhi had said, "How come all thieves have the common surname Modi", while targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his surname, which is the same as fugitive businessman Nirav Modi and Lalit Modi. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Gujarat High Court to hear Rahul Gandhi’s plea seeking stay on Modi surname defamation case today

<p>The Gujarat high court announced on Saturday (April 29)&nbsp;that it will continue hearing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's plea on May 2 in which he is contesting the Surat sessions court's decision to deny a stay of his conviction in a criminal defamation case stemming from his remark regarding the "Modi surname."</p>

<p>Gandhi filed a criminal revision&nbsp;application&nbsp;with the Gujarat high court, challenging the ruling of the sessions court. Justice Hemant Prachchhak took up the case, as reported by PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gandhi's readmission as a member of Parliament could be possible if the high court accepts his appeal.&nbsp;After the case was brought before the high court judge&nbsp;Justice Gita Gopi on Wednesday for an urgent hearing, she decided not to hear it.</p>

<p>The court of Justice Prachchhak was then given the case.&nbsp;Gandhi is being represented in the high court by renowned attorney and Congress politician Abhishek Manu Singhvi.</p>

<p>On March 23, a metropolitan magistrate's court in Surat condemned the former president of the Congress to two years in prison after holding him guilty of violating Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 499 and 500 (criminal defamation) in a case brought by Gujarat MLA for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Purnesh Modi in 2019.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-ban-sugar-exports-amid-decline-in-production-report-587295"><strong>I</strong>ndia to ban sugar exports amid decline in production: Report</a></p>

<p>Gandhi, who was elected to the Lok Sabha in 2019 from the parliamentary constituency of Wayanad in Kerala, was later declared ineligible to serve as an MP under the terms of the Representation of the People Act.</p>

<p>He filed a petition for a stay of the conviction along with a challenge to the ruling before the Surat sessions court.</p>

<p>The judge on April 20 granted him bail but declined to stay the conviction.&nbsp;Gandhi's "How come all thieves have Modi surname" comment caused Purnesh Modi to initiate a criminal defamation lawsuit against him.</p>

<h2><strong>Important points on the defamation case</strong></h2>

<p><strong>-&nbsp;</strong>Senior lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Rahul&nbsp;Gandhi, told the High Court that "very serious ex-facie vitiating factors of the trial raise grave apprehensions about the process of trial that led to the conviction."</p>

<p>-&nbsp;In his appeal in the Surat court to freeze the conviction,&nbsp;Gandhi said the court treated him harshly and was overwhelmingly influenced by his status as an MP.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;SCO Summit 2023: Rajnath Singh chairs SCO Defence Ministers meeting in New Delhi</strong></p>

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<p>-&nbsp;The judge disagreed with Gandhi's contention and said he had "failed to satisfy that by not staying the conviction and denying an opportunity to contest the election, an irreversible and irrevocable damage will be caused to him".</p>

<p>-&nbsp;Aiming at the Prime Minister over his surname, which he shares with fugitive businessmen Lalit Modi and Nirav Modi, Rahul Gandhi stated during the Lok Sabha election campaign in 2019: "How come all thieves have the common surname Modi."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Gujarat high court announced on Saturday (April 29) that it will continue hearing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's plea on May 2 in which he is contesting the Surat sessions court's decision to deny a stay of his conviction in a criminal defamation case stemming from his remark regarding the "Modi surname.

The Gujarat high court announced on Saturday (April 29) that it will continue hearing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's plea on May 2 in which he is contesting the Surat sessions court's decision to deny a stay of his conviction in a criminal defamation case stemming from his remark regarding the "Modi surname." Gandhi filed a criminal revision application with the Gujarat high court, challenging the ruling of the sessions court. Justice Hemant Prachchhak took up the case, as reported by PTI. Gandhi's readmission as a member of Parliament could be possible if the high court accepts his appeal. After the case was brought before the high court judge Justice Gita Gopi on Wednesday for an urgent hearing, she decided not to hear it. The court of Justice Prachchhak was then given the case. Gandhi is being represented in the high court by renowned attorney and Congress politician Abhishek Manu Singhvi. On March 23, a metropolitan magistrate's court in Surat condemned the former president of the Congress to two years in prison after holding him guilty of violating Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 499 and 500 (criminal defamation) in a case brought by Gujarat MLA for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Purnesh Modi in 2019. ALSO READ | India to ban sugar exports amid decline in production: Report Gandhi, who was elected to the Lok Sabha in 2019 from the parliamentary constituency of Wayanad in Kerala, was later declared ineligible to serve as an MP under the terms of the Representation of the People Act. He filed a petition for a stay of the conviction along with a challenge to the ruling before the Surat sessions court. The judge on April 20 granted him bail but declined to stay the conviction. Gandhi's "How come all thieves have Modi surname" comment caused Purnesh Modi to initiate a criminal defamation lawsuit against him. Important points on the defamation case - Senior lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Rahul Gandhi, told the High Court that "very serious ex-facie vitiating factors of the trial raise grave apprehensions about the process of trial that led to the conviction." - In his appeal in the Surat court to freeze the conviction, Gandhi said the court treated him harshly and was overwhelmingly influenced by his status as an MP. ALSO WATCH | SCO Summit 2023: Rajnath Singh chairs SCO Defence Ministers meeting in New Delhi - The judge disagreed with Gandhi's contention and said he had "failed to satisfy that by not staying the conviction and denying an opportunity to contest the election, an irreversible and irrevocable damage will be caused to him". - Aiming at the Prime Minister over his surname, which he shares with fugitive businessmen Lalit Modi and Nirav Modi, Rahul Gandhi stated during the Lok Sabha election campaign in 2019: "How come all thieves have the common surname Modi." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Gujarat High Court to resume hearing Rahul Gandhi’s defamation case appeal on May 2

<p>A Surat court on Thursday (April 20) rejected the application filed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi seeking a stay on his conviction in the 2019 defamation case on the "Modi surname" remark. The court of additional sessions judge R P Mogera rejected Gandhi's application for relief pending his appeal against a lower court's order sentencing him to two years in jail in the case.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sc-st-quota-should-be-proportional-to-their-population-rahul-gandhi-in-kolar-583072">Ahead of Karnataka polls, Rahul Gandhi alleges BJP state government 'immersed in corruption'</a></strong></p>

<p>Gandhi, who was disqualified from the Lok Sabha, will now have to appeal in the Gujarat High Court or the Supreme Court against the Surat Court's order.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On April 3,&nbsp;the Surat Sessions Court granted bail to Gandhi, who had filed an appeal following his conviction in the case.</p>

<p>While granting bail to him, the court also issued notices to complainant Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Purnesh Modi and the state government on the Congress leader`s plea for a stay on his conviction. It heard both parties and then reserved the order for April 20.</p>

<p>The defamation case is related to a remark Gandhi made using "Modi"&nbsp;during a rally ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;"How come all the thieves have Modi as the common surname," Gandhi said during the rally in Karnataka.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We will continue to avail all options still available to us under the law. <a href="https://twitter.com/DrAMSinghvi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrAMSinghvi</a> will brief the media on Rahul Gandhi's appeal at 4pm.</p>
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jairam_Ramesh/status/1648928594373267456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Taking to Twitter on Thursday, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh said that the party would continue to avail all options still available under the law. "Dr A M Singhvi will brief the media on Rahul Gandhi's appeal at 4 pm," Ramesh added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>(With inputs from agencies)</strong></em></p>

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A Surat court on Thursday (April 20) rejected the application filed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi seeking a stay on his conviction in the 2019 defamation case on the "Modi surname" remark.

A Surat court on Thursday (April 20) rejected the application filed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi seeking a stay on his conviction in the 2019 defamation case on the "Modi surname" remark. The court of additional sessions judge R P Mogera rejected Gandhi's application for relief pending his appeal against a lower court's order sentencing him to two years in jail in the case. ALSO READ | Ahead of Karnataka polls, Rahul Gandhi alleges BJP state government 'immersed in corruption' Gandhi, who was disqualified from the Lok Sabha, will now have to appeal in the Gujarat High Court or the Supreme Court against the Surat Court's order. On April 3, the Surat Sessions Court granted bail to Gandhi, who had filed an appeal following his conviction in the case. While granting bail to him, the court also issued notices to complainant Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Purnesh Modi and the state government on the Congress leader`s plea for a stay on his conviction. It heard both parties and then reserved the order for April 20. The defamation case is related to a remark Gandhi made using "Modi" during a rally ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. "How come all the thieves have Modi as the common surname," Gandhi said during the rally in Karnataka. We will continue to avail all options still available to us under the law. @DrAMSinghvi will brief the media on Rahul Gandhi's appeal at 4pm. — Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) April 20, 2023 × Taking to Twitter on Thursday, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh said that the party would continue to avail all options still available under the law. "Dr A M Singhvi will brief the media on Rahul Gandhi's appeal at 4 pm," Ramesh added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: Surat court rejects Rahul Gandhi's application seeking stay on his conviction in 2019 defamation case

An Indian court has rejected opposition leader Rahul Gandhi's appeal seeking a stay on his conviction in a criminal defamation case. The decision extends the uncertainty over whether he can contest in national elections due next year.

Rahul Gandhi: India court dismisses Congress leader's appeal against conviction

<p>Addressing a rally in Kolar, a city in the southwest Indian state of Karnataka, former MP Rahul Gandhi slammed the BJP-led centre for not providing due representation to the OBCs (Other Backward Classes) in government jobs. Kolar is the site of the infamous, controversial speech from 2019 that recently got Gandhi disqualified as a member of Parliament (MP) last month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian National Congress (INC) leader, as per ANI, launched a slew of attacks against the ruling government and also announced poll promises.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If the Congress party is voted to power in Karnataka, then we will provide 200 units of free electricity to every family, Rs 2000 every month to women, a total of 10 Kg rice per month to every family, Rs 3000 to every graduate till two years and Rs 1500 monthly to diploma holders," said Rahul Gandhi.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-was-atiq-ahmed-indian-gangster-turned-politician-shot-dead-live-on-tv-583016">Explained | Who was Atiq Ahmed? Indian gangster-turned-politician shot dead on live TV</a></strong></p>

<p>"If you [BJP] can give thousands of crores of rupees to Adani, then we can give the money to poor, women, and youths. You helped Adani wholeheartedly, and we will wholeheartedly help the people of the state," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Disqualify me, put me in jail, do anything, doesn't matter," said Gandhi as he alleged that the BJP government in Karnataka was "immersed in corruption."</p>

<p>Gandhi pointed to the indifference being meted out to the OBC community, which are present in larger number but whose representation in government jobs were less.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said that "reservation for SC/STs should be proportional to their population," and that the union government "should lift 50 per cent cap in reservation."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Replying to allegations that he had insulted the OBC community with his Modi surname remark, the Congress leader said that&nbsp;the representation of OBC and Dalits in the central government is not in line with their population.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/drug-addict-petty-criminal-and-vagabond-three-men-who-publicly-executed-atiq-ahmed-and-his-brother-582978">Atiq Ahmed’s killers: Drug addict, petty criminals pull off daring murder in front of TV camera crews</a></strong></p>

<p>He also called on the BJP government to release the caste census report commissioned by his party-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government in 2011.</p>

<p>"Only seven per cent of secretaries in central government offices are from OBC and SC/ST communities. Modiji, you talk about (the welfare of) OBCs. Let us know what their share is in the population. If you don't do this, it is an insult to OBC communities."</p>

<p>Back in 2019, Rahul Gandhi, during a rally in Kolar had remarked, "How come all thieves have the common surname Modi?."</p>

<p>This statement landed him in trouble, and recently he was found guilty in a defamation case over it, and sentenced to two years in prison. The prison sentence became the grounds for Gandhi's disqualification as an MP.</p>

<p>Urging people to vote for Congress in Karnataka's upcoming elections, Gandhi said "Aap Apna Kaam Karo, Hum Apna Kaam Karenge (You do your work and we will do ours)." Karnataka goes to Assembly polls on May 10. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 13.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Addressing a rally in Kolar, a city in the southwest Indian state of Karnataka, former MP Rahul Gandhi slammed the BJP-led centre for not providing due representation to the OBCs (Other Backward Classes) in government jobs.

Addressing a rally in Kolar, a city in the southwest Indian state of Karnataka, former MP Rahul Gandhi slammed the BJP-led centre for not providing due representation to the OBCs (Other Backward Classes) in government jobs. Kolar is the site of the infamous, controversial speech from 2019 that recently got Gandhi disqualified as a member of Parliament (MP) last month. The Indian National Congress (INC) leader, as per ANI, launched a slew of attacks against the ruling government and also announced poll promises. "If the Congress party is voted to power in Karnataka, then we will provide 200 units of free electricity to every family, Rs 2000 every month to women, a total of 10 Kg rice per month to every family, Rs 3000 to every graduate till two years and Rs 1500 monthly to diploma holders," said Rahul Gandhi. Also read | Explained | Who was Atiq Ahmed? Indian gangster-turned-politician shot dead on live TV "If you [BJP] can give thousands of crores of rupees to Adani, then we can give the money to poor, women, and youths. You helped Adani wholeheartedly, and we will wholeheartedly help the people of the state," he added. "Disqualify me, put me in jail, do anything, doesn't matter," said Gandhi as he alleged that the BJP government in Karnataka was "immersed in corruption." Gandhi pointed to the indifference being meted out to the OBC community, which are present in larger number but whose representation in government jobs were less. He said that "reservation for SC/STs should be proportional to their population," and that the union government "should lift 50 per cent cap in reservation." Replying to allegations that he had insulted the OBC community with his Modi surname remark, the Congress leader said that the representation of OBC and Dalits in the central government is not in line with their population. Also read | Atiq Ahmed’s killers: Drug addict, petty criminals pull off daring murder in front of TV camera crews He also called on the BJP government to release the caste census report commissioned by his party-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government in 2011. "Only seven per cent of secretaries in central government offices are from OBC and SC/ST communities. Modiji, you talk about (the welfare of) OBCs. Let us know what their share is in the population. If you don't do this, it is an insult to OBC communities." Back in 2019, Rahul Gandhi, during a rally in Kolar had remarked, "How come all thieves have the common surname Modi?." This statement landed him in trouble, and recently he was found guilty in a defamation case over it, and sentenced to two years in prison. The prison sentence became the grounds for Gandhi's disqualification as an MP. Urging people to vote for Congress in Karnataka's upcoming elections, Gandhi said "Aap Apna Kaam Karo, Hum Apna Kaam Karenge (You do your work and we will do ours)." Karnataka goes to Assembly polls on May 10. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 13. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ahead of Karnataka polls, Rahul Gandhi alleges BJP state government 'immersed in corruption'

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<p>India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has slammed the 'sanctimonious' western nations for commenting on internal matters of other countries. Jaishankar was replying to a question about Germany and the USA passing unsolicited remarks on the disqualification of Indian parliamentarian Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The EAM said the West thinks it has the 'God-given' right to comment on India's internal matters. He was addressing a 'Meet and Greet' interaction in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru with BJP MP Tejaswi Surya and PC Mohan in attendance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I will give you the truthful answer (on why we see West commenting on India). There are two reasons. It is because the West has a bad habit of commenting on others. They somehow think it is some kind of god-given right. They will have to learn only by experience that if they keep doing this, other people will also start commenting and they will not like it when it happens. And I see that happening," said Jaishankar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The second part of the truth - In our arguments, you are inviting the people to comment on you. Then more and more people are tempted to comment. We also need to stop giving generous invitations to the world saying there are problems in India, and (urging) America and the world (by saying), why are you standing by doing nothing? So if somebody from here goes and says why are you standing by and saying nothing, then obviously they are going to comment. Part of the problem is them, and part of the problem is us. And I think both need fixing."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-has-firmly-responded-to-china-eam-s-jaishankar-552803"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;India has firmly responded to China: EAM S Jaishankar</strong></a></p>

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<p><strong>What did the US and Germany say?</strong></p>

<p>Notably, earlier this week, the US state department issued a statement saying Washington was 'watching' the matter whilst issuing a sermon on 'democratic values' to New Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Respect for the rule of law and judicial independence is a cornerstone of any democracy. We are watching Mr Gandhi's case in Indian courts and we engage with the Government of India on our shared commitment to democratic values, including freedom of expression," said Vedant Patel, the US state department's main deputy spokesperson.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-are-watching-us-state-department-on-rahul-gandhis-disqualification-from-indian-parliament-576442" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | 'We are watching...': US state department on Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from Indian parliament</strong></a></p>

<p>A few days later, Germany also chimed in with a response along the same lines, saying 'fundamental democratic principles' should apply in the case of the Congress leader's disqualification.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have taken note of the verdict of first instance against the Indian opposition politician Rahul Gandhi as well as the suspension of his parliamentary mandate. To our knowledge, Mr Gandhi is in a position to appeal the verdict, " said a German foreign ministry spokesperson.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india/buying-russian-gas-is-not-funding-the-war-says-jaishankar-484836" target="_blank"><strong>Read more: Buying Russian gas is not funding the war, says Jaishankar</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>What happened with Rahul Gandhi?</strong></p>

<p>Last month, a city court convicted the Indian National Congress (INC) leader Gandhi in a criminal defamation case for his alleged 'Modi surname' remarks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The court sentenced the Gandhi scion to two years in jail while imposing a fine of Rs 15,000 ($183), under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 499 (defamation), 500 (punishment for defamation). However, he was granted a bail and has sought to appeal the decision.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has slammed the 'sanctimonious' western nations for commenting on internal matters of other countries. Jaishankar was replying to a question about Germany and the USA passing unsolicited remarks on the disqualification of Indian parliamentarian Rahul Gandhi.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has slammed the 'sanctimonious' western nations for commenting on internal matters of other countries. Jaishankar was replying to a question about Germany and the USA passing unsolicited remarks on the disqualification of Indian parliamentarian Rahul Gandhi. The EAM said the West thinks it has the 'God-given' right to comment on India's internal matters. He was addressing a 'Meet and Greet' interaction in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru with BJP MP Tejaswi Surya and PC Mohan in attendance. "I will give you the truthful answer (on why we see West commenting on India). There are two reasons. It is because the West has a bad habit of commenting on others. They somehow think it is some kind of god-given right. They will have to learn only by experience that if they keep doing this, other people will also start commenting and they will not like it when it happens. And I see that happening," said Jaishankar. "The second part of the truth - In our arguments, you are inviting the people to comment on you. Then more and more people are tempted to comment. We also need to stop giving generous invitations to the world saying there are problems in India, and (urging) America and the world (by saying), why are you standing by doing nothing? So if somebody from here goes and says why are you standing by and saying nothing, then obviously they are going to comment. Part of the problem is them, and part of the problem is us. And I think both need fixing." WATCH | India has firmly responded to China: EAM S Jaishankar × What did the US and Germany say? Notably, earlier this week, the US state department issued a statement saying Washington was 'watching' the matter whilst issuing a sermon on 'democratic values' to New Delhi. "Respect for the rule of law and judicial independence is a cornerstone of any democracy. We are watching Mr Gandhi's case in Indian courts and we engage with the Government of India on our shared commitment to democratic values, including freedom of expression," said Vedant Patel, the US state department's main deputy spokesperson. ALSO READ | 'We are watching...': US state department on Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from Indian parliament A few days later, Germany also chimed in with a response along the same lines, saying 'fundamental democratic principles' should apply in the case of the Congress leader's disqualification. "We have taken note of the verdict of first instance against the Indian opposition politician Rahul Gandhi as well as the suspension of his parliamentary mandate. To our knowledge, Mr Gandhi is in a position to appeal the verdict, " said a German foreign ministry spokesperson. Read more: Buying Russian gas is not funding the war, says Jaishankar What happened with Rahul Gandhi? Last month, a city court convicted the Indian National Congress (INC) leader Gandhi in a criminal defamation case for his alleged 'Modi surname' remarks. The court sentenced the Gandhi scion to two years in jail while imposing a fine of Rs 15,000 ($183), under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 499 (defamation), 500 (punishment for defamation). However, he was granted a bail and has sought to appeal the decision. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'They think it's God-given right': Jaishankar slams 'West' for commenting on Rahul Gandhi's disqualification

<p>Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday (April 3) filed an appeal against his conviction in defamation case in a court in Surat. Gandhi, one of the prominent voices of opposition in Indian politics has been disqualified from Indian parliament over his conviction in 'Modi surname' controversy in a court in Gujarat, the home turf of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p>Gandhi filed the appeal before Surat Sessions Court challenging the verdict of Chief Judicial Magistrate. The court has granted him bail.</p>

<p>Along with the appeal, Rahul Gandhi has filed two applications in the court. One seeks stay on his conviction while the other seeks suspension of sentence.</p>

<p>As per media reports, if the first application is allowed, it may restore Gandhi's Lok Sabha membership. He was disqualified after the previously delivered guilty verdict.</p>

<p>As Rahul Gandhi appeared in Surat court, Congress bigwigs accompanied him. This includes Priyanka Gandhi and chief ministers of three Congress-ruled states.</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi was convicted by the lower court in Surat and sentenced to prison for two years last month for a past speech in which he linked PM Modi's last name with two fugitive businessmen, remarking how the "thieves" shared the same last name. The lower court had granted him bail for 30 days to appeal the verdict. A day later, he was disqualified as a member of the Lok Sabha.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

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Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday (April 3) filed an appeal against his conviction in defamation case in a court in Surat. Gandhi, one of the prominent voices of opposition in Indian politics has been disqualified from Indian parliament over his conviction in 'Modi surname' controversy in a court in Gujarat, the home turf of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday (April 3) filed an appeal against his conviction in defamation case in a court in Surat. Gandhi, one of the prominent voices of opposition in Indian politics has been disqualified from Indian parliament over his conviction in 'Modi surname' controversy in a court in Gujarat, the home turf of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Gandhi filed the appeal before Surat Sessions Court challenging the verdict of Chief Judicial Magistrate. The court has granted him bail. Along with the appeal, Rahul Gandhi has filed two applications in the court. One seeks stay on his conviction while the other seeks suspension of sentence. As per media reports, if the first application is allowed, it may restore Gandhi's Lok Sabha membership. He was disqualified after the previously delivered guilty verdict. As Rahul Gandhi appeared in Surat court, Congress bigwigs accompanied him. This includes Priyanka Gandhi and chief ministers of three Congress-ruled states. Rahul Gandhi was convicted by the lower court in Surat and sentenced to prison for two years last month for a past speech in which he linked PM Modi's last name with two fugitive businessmen, remarking how the "thieves" shared the same last name. The lower court had granted him bail for 30 days to appeal the verdict. A day later, he was disqualified as a member of the Lok Sabha. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Rahul Gandhi appeals against conviction in 'Modi surname' case, gets bail

<p>Rahul Gandhi, a member of India’s opposition Congress party and former MP, will challenge his conviction by the Gujarat court in the criminal defamation case.</p>

<p>It has been learnt that the Gandhi family scion will file an appeal on Monday at the sessions court in Surat city to set aside the magistrate court’s order that found him guilty of maligning people who have Modi surname.</p>

<p>He will be accompanied by senior state leaders and national leaders of the Congress party.</p>

<p>The conviction and two years' jail sentence in the criminal case of defamation had cost Gandhi&nbsp;his membership as a lawmaker in the Lok Sabha (Indian Parliament’s lower house).</p>

<p>If the higher court refuses to revoke the order, Gandhi won’t be allowed to contest elections for the next eight years, and the Lok Sabha seat, which he won from Kerala Wayanad constituency, will see by-polls.</p>

<p>On March 23, the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate HH Varma convicted Gandhi and sentenced him to two years in jail in the 2019 criminal defamation case.</p>

<p>The case was filed by a BJP MLA and former Gujarat minister, Purnesh Modi, for Gandhi saying, "How come all thieves have the common surname Modi?"</p>

<p>The Congress leader made these remarks while addressing a rally in Karnataka ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, targetting PM Modi over his last name, which he shares with fugitive businessmen Nirav Modi and Lalit Modi.</p>

<p>Following his disqualification as a Member of Parliament, Gandhi was served a notice to vacate his official Delhi bungalow, as he was no longer entitled to it.</p>

<p>Congress dubbed the move a ‘conspiracy’ to ‘silence’ Rahul Gandhi as he was asking tough questions in the Parliament on Prime Minister's alleged closeness with industrialist Gautam Adani, whose conglomerate has been accused of "pulling the largest con in corporate history" by US-based short seller&nbsp;Hindenburg Research.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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Rahul Gandhi, a member of India’s opposition Congress party and former MP, will challenge his conviction by the Gujarat court in the criminal defamation case. It has been learnt that the Gandhi family scion will file an appeal on Monday at the sessions court in Surat city to set aside the magistrate court’s order that found him guilty of maligning people who have Modi surname.

Rahul Gandhi, a member of India’s opposition Congress party and former MP, will challenge his conviction by the Gujarat court in the criminal defamation case. It has been learnt that the Gandhi family scion will file an appeal on Monday at the sessions court in Surat city to set aside the magistrate court’s order that found him guilty of maligning people who have Modi surname. He will be accompanied by senior state leaders and national leaders of the Congress party. The conviction and two years' jail sentence in the criminal case of defamation had cost Gandhi his membership as a lawmaker in the Lok Sabha (Indian Parliament’s lower house). If the higher court refuses to revoke the order, Gandhi won’t be allowed to contest elections for the next eight years, and the Lok Sabha seat, which he won from Kerala Wayanad constituency, will see by-polls. On March 23, the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate HH Varma convicted Gandhi and sentenced him to two years in jail in the 2019 criminal defamation case. The case was filed by a BJP MLA and former Gujarat minister, Purnesh Modi, for Gandhi saying, "How come all thieves have the common surname Modi?" The Congress leader made these remarks while addressing a rally in Karnataka ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, targetting PM Modi over his last name, which he shares with fugitive businessmen Nirav Modi and Lalit Modi. Following his disqualification as a Member of Parliament, Gandhi was served a notice to vacate his official Delhi bungalow, as he was no longer entitled to it. Congress dubbed the move a ‘conspiracy’ to ‘silence’ Rahul Gandhi as he was asking tough questions in the Parliament on Prime Minister's alleged closeness with industrialist Gautam Adani, whose conglomerate has been accused of "pulling the largest con in corporate history" by US-based short seller Hindenburg Research. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to challenge defamation case conviction on Monday

<p>Lalit Modi, the former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman, has threatened in social media post that he would sue Rahul Gandhi, the former chief of the Indian National Congress (INC). Modi, as per reports, said that he would file the case in a UK court over Rahul Gandhi's comments, linking him to corruption and money laundering. This latest controversy involving the Congress leader comes just days after he was disqualified as an MP, following a conviction in a defamation case.</p>

<p>At an election rally in 2019, Gandhi clubbed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Lalit Modi and fugitive businessman Nirav Modi and said, "How come all thieves have the common surname Modi?"&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rahul-gandhi-will-continue-to-raise-questions-over-tycoon-adani-575706">Rahul Gandhi: Will continue to raise questions over tycoon Adani</a></strong></p>

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<p>In a tweet thread, Lalit Modi wrote he sees "every Tom dick and Gandhi" repeatedly referring to him as a "fugitive of justice." He then asked when he was "ever convicted" of such a thing and remarked that "it seems one and all opposition leaders have nothing else to do so they too are either ill informed or just vendetta prone."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">i see just about every Tom dick and gandhi associates again and again saying i ama fugitive of justice. why ?How?and when was i to date ever convicted of same. unlike <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Papu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Papu</a> aka <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> now an ordinary citizen saying it and it seems one and all oposition leaders have nothing…</p>
— Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) <a href="https://twitter.com/LalitKModi/status/1641263461471600640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Tagging Rahul Gandhi, the IPL founder, then announced that he will be dragging the politician to court in the United Kingdom "right away."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-are-watching-us-state-department-on-rahul-gandhis-disqualification-from-indian-parliament-576442">'We are watching...': US state department on Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from Indian parliament</a></strong></p>

<p>He also accused several Congress leaders of having overseas assets and even offered to provide proof in the form of photos and addresses backing his allegations.</p>

<p>Modi, who amid scandals and controversies linked to the&nbsp;IPL, had relocated to London from India in 2010, said that he will return to India as soon as the nation passes stringent libel laws.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Lalit Modi, the former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman, has threatened in social media post that he would sue Rahul Gandhi, the former chief of the Indian National Congress (INC).

Lalit Modi, the former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman, has threatened in social media post that he would sue Rahul Gandhi, the former chief of the Indian National Congress (INC). Modi, as per reports, said that he would file the case in a UK court over Rahul Gandhi's comments, linking him to corruption and money laundering. This latest controversy involving the Congress leader comes just days after he was disqualified as an MP, following a conviction in a defamation case. At an election rally in 2019, Gandhi clubbed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Lalit Modi and fugitive businessman Nirav Modi and said, "How come all thieves have the common surname Modi?" Watch | Rahul Gandhi: Will continue to raise questions over tycoon Adani In a tweet thread, Lalit Modi wrote he sees "every Tom dick and Gandhi" repeatedly referring to him as a "fugitive of justice." He then asked when he was "ever convicted" of such a thing and remarked that "it seems one and all opposition leaders have nothing else to do so they too are either ill informed or just vendetta prone." i see just about every Tom dick and gandhi associates again and again saying i ama fugitive of justice. why ?How?and when was i to date ever convicted of same. unlike #Papu aka @RahulGandhi now an ordinary citizen saying it and it seems one and all oposition leaders have nothing… — Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) March 30, 2023 × Tagging Rahul Gandhi, the IPL founder, then announced that he will be dragging the politician to court in the United Kingdom "right away." Also read | 'We are watching...': US state department on Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from Indian parliament He also accused several Congress leaders of having overseas assets and even offered to provide proof in the form of photos and addresses backing his allegations. Modi, who amid scandals and controversies linked to the IPL, had relocated to London from India in 2010, said that he will return to India as soon as the nation passes stringent libel laws. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Rahul Gandhi in trouble again? IPL founder Lalit Modi says will drag him to court for defamatory remarks

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<p>Days after the US commented on the disqualification of Indian parliamentarian Rahul Gandhi, Germany has also chimed in with a response. The German foreign ministry released a statement saying 'fundamental democratic principles' should apply in the case of the Congress leader's disqualification.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A spokesperson of the ministry said the Deutsch government had 'taken note' of the verdict by the Indian court and subsequent suspension of his 'parliamentary mandate'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have taken note of the verdict of first instance against the Indian opposition politician Rahul Gandhi as well as the suspension of his parliamentary mandate. To our knowledge, Mr Gandhi is in a position to appeal the verdict, " said the spokesperson.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It will then become clear whether this verdict will stand and whether the suspension of his mandate has any basis. We expect that the standards of judicial independence and fundamental democratic principles will equally apply to the proceedings against Rahul Gandhi,” the ministry added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-rahul-gandhi-disqualified-from-parliament-575372"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;India's Rahul Gandhi disqualified from parliament</strong></a></p>

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<p>Notably, earlier this week, the US state department issued a statement saying Washington was 'watching' the matter whilst issuing a sermon on 'democratic values' to New Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Respect for the rule of law and judicial independence is a cornerstone of any democracy. We are watching Mr Gandhi's case in Indian courts and we engage with the Government of India on our shared commitment to democratic values, including freedom of expression," said Vedant Patel, the US state department's main deputy spokesperson.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-are-watching-us-state-department-on-rahul-gandhis-disqualification-from-indian-parliament-576442"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;'We are watching...': US state department on Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from Indian parliament</strong></a></p>

<p>The statements by the US were not met kindly as the netizens thrashed the Biden administration for unnecessarily trying to interfere in India's internal politics.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2>What happened with Rahul Gandhi?</h2>

<p>Last week, a city court in the western Indian state of Gujarat convicted the Indian National Congress (INC) leader in a criminal defamation case for his alleged 'Modi surname' remarks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The court sentenced Gandhi to two years in jail while imposing a fine of Rs 15,000 ($183), under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 499 (defamation), 500 (punishment for defamation).</p>

<p>After an appeal, his sentence was suspended and bail granted to move an appeal against the conviction in under 30 days. However, the very next day, the&nbsp;Indian parliament disqualified the Indian MP from Wayanad - a district in the southern Indian state of Kerala.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Days after the US commented on the disqualification of Indian parliamentarian Rahul Gandhi, Germany has also chimed in with a response. The German foreign ministry released a statement saying 'fundamental democratic principles' should apply in the case of the Congress leader's disqualification.

Days after the US commented on the disqualification of Indian parliamentarian Rahul Gandhi, Germany has also chimed in with a response. The German foreign ministry released a statement saying 'fundamental democratic principles' should apply in the case of the Congress leader's disqualification. A spokesperson of the ministry said the Deutsch government had 'taken note' of the verdict by the Indian court and subsequent suspension of his 'parliamentary mandate'. "We have taken note of the verdict of first instance against the Indian opposition politician Rahul Gandhi as well as the suspension of his parliamentary mandate. To our knowledge, Mr Gandhi is in a position to appeal the verdict, " said the spokesperson. "It will then become clear whether this verdict will stand and whether the suspension of his mandate has any basis. We expect that the standards of judicial independence and fundamental democratic principles will equally apply to the proceedings against Rahul Gandhi,” the ministry added. WATCH | India's Rahul Gandhi disqualified from parliament × Notably, earlier this week, the US state department issued a statement saying Washington was 'watching' the matter whilst issuing a sermon on 'democratic values' to New Delhi. "Respect for the rule of law and judicial independence is a cornerstone of any democracy. We are watching Mr Gandhi's case in Indian courts and we engage with the Government of India on our shared commitment to democratic values, including freedom of expression," said Vedant Patel, the US state department's main deputy spokesperson. ALSO READ | 'We are watching...': US state department on Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from Indian parliament The statements by the US were not met kindly as the netizens thrashed the Biden administration for unnecessarily trying to interfere in India's internal politics. What happened with Rahul Gandhi? Last week, a city court in the western Indian state of Gujarat convicted the Indian National Congress (INC) leader in a criminal defamation case for his alleged 'Modi surname' remarks. The court sentenced Gandhi to two years in jail while imposing a fine of Rs 15,000 ($183), under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 499 (defamation), 500 (punishment for defamation). After an appeal, his sentence was suspended and bail granted to move an appeal against the conviction in under 30 days. However, the very next day, the Indian parliament disqualified the Indian MP from Wayanad - a district in the southern Indian state of Kerala. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

After US, Germany chimes in with statement on Rahul Gandhi's disqualification

<p>Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti has called for unity of opposition against the BJP. Mufti alleged that the right-wing party is eroding the democracy of India and it is high time for all opposition parties in the country to unite and fight together against the BJP.</p>

<p>Talking to reporters at&nbsp;her party office in Srinagar,&nbsp;she said "attack on democracy by the right-wing party started in 2018 when Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) along with National Conference (NC) and Congress intended to form a coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir but BJP didn't allow this to happen. It was the first attack on democracy by BJP and unfortunately, the rest of the opposition in the country didn't react to it as they should have reacted.''</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/jammu-and-kashmir-government-to-restore-temple-by-april-2023-575892"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Jammu and Kashmir government to restore temple by April 2023</strong></a></p>

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<p>Mufti added that she is happy to see the opposition coming together on the issue of the disqualification of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi from the parliament. It's high time for all the opposition parties in the country to come together and fight against BJP, she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Muslims are the first target. Ultimately, it's going to be BJP vs all. It won't stop at Muslims only, it will go further. Rahul Gandhi is not a Muslim, Manish Sisodia is not a Muslim, and those who are threatened to be sent to jail by using investigative agencies as a tool. This is going to be BJP rashtra vs all others, one by one everyone would be affected, from Muslims to Dalits to all. I am glad all opposition is coming together with Congress. If there is a way to save democracy, the opposition parties have to get together to mobilise the people,'' said Mufti.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/young-kashmiri-girl-memorises-holy-quran-handwrites-it-in-four-months-575902"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Fond of calligraphy, young Kashmiri girl memorises holy Quran, writes it by hand in four months</strong></a><br />
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Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti has called for unity of opposition against the BJP. Mufti alleged that the right-wing party is eroding the democracy of India and it is high time for all opposition parties in the country to unite and fight together against the BJP.

Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti has called for unity of opposition against the BJP. Mufti alleged that the right-wing party is eroding the democracy of India and it is high time for all opposition parties in the country to unite and fight together against the BJP. Talking to reporters at her party office in Srinagar, she said "attack on democracy by the right-wing party started in 2018 when Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) along with National Conference (NC) and Congress intended to form a coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir but BJP didn't allow this to happen. It was the first attack on democracy by BJP and unfortunately, the rest of the opposition in the country didn't react to it as they should have reacted.'' WATCH | Jammu and Kashmir government to restore temple by April 2023 × Mufti added that she is happy to see the opposition coming together on the issue of the disqualification of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi from the parliament. It's high time for all the opposition parties in the country to come together and fight against BJP, she added. “Muslims are the first target. Ultimately, it's going to be BJP vs all. It won't stop at Muslims only, it will go further. Rahul Gandhi is not a Muslim, Manish Sisodia is not a Muslim, and those who are threatened to be sent to jail by using investigative agencies as a tool. This is going to be BJP rashtra vs all others, one by one everyone would be affected, from Muslims to Dalits to all. I am glad all opposition is coming together with Congress. If there is a way to save democracy, the opposition parties have to get together to mobilise the people,'' said Mufti. ALSO READ | Fond of calligraphy, young Kashmiri girl memorises holy Quran, writes it by hand in four months WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Mehbooba Mufti calls for opposition unity against BJP, says it’s time to save democracy

<p>As the controversy surrounding Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from the Indian parliament gains pace, the US has also chimed in with a response.&nbsp;Vedant Patel, the US state department's main deputy spokesperson on Monday said Washington was 'watching' the developments unfolding in the court case concerning Gandhi.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Patel interspersed his comments with the routine drizzling of 'protection of human rights' and 'democratic principles'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Respect for the rule of law and judicial independence is a cornerstone of any democracy. We are watching Mr Gandhi's case in Indian courts and we engage with the Government of India on our shared commitment to democratic values, including freedom of expression," said Patel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When quizzed by the reporter if the United States was actively engaging with India regarding the matter as well as Gandhi - the opposition leader, Patel said:</p>

<p>"I don't have any specific engagements to read out.&nbsp;But as I'm sure you know as someone who's covered this department for some time, it is normal and standard for us to engage with members of opposition parties in any country where we have bilateral relationships. But I don't have any specific engagement to read out."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"Watching Mr. Gandhi’s case in Indian courts, and we engage with the Government of India on our shared commitment to democratic values", US state dept on Rahul Gandhi <a href="https://t.co/pQb2b6bRqY">https://t.co/pQb2b6bRqY</a> <a href="https://t.co/zUxk33csVy">pic.twitter.com/zUxk33csVy</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1640545983179407363?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Netizens did not take kindly to Patel's statement after it went viral on social media platforms, calling it an attempt to interfere in Indian politics. One tweeted, 'Keep watching only thing you can do', while another added, '"And we will try to lecture them on democracy, completely ignoring the fact that we ourselves support military dictatorship and thrown democratically elected government in the past" -- they forgot to add this."</p>

<h2>What happened with Rahul Gandhi?</h2>

<p>Last week, a city court in the western Indian state of Gujarat&nbsp;convicted the Indian National Congress (INC) leader&nbsp;in a criminal defamation case for his alleged 'Modi surname' remarks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The court sentenced Gandhi to two years in jail while imposing a fine of Rs 15,000 ($183), under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 499 (defamation), 500 (punishment for defamation).</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-rahul-gandhi-convicted-in-2019-modi-surname-defamation-case-gets-two-year-jail-term-574899"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;India: Rahul Gandhi convicted in 2019 'Modi surname' defamation case, gets two-year jail term</strong></a></p>

<p>After an appeal, his sentence was suspended and bail granted to move an appeal against the conviction in under 30 days. However, the very next day, the&nbsp;Indian parliament disqualified the Indian MP from Wayanad - a district in the southern Indian state of Kerala.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since then, the opposition has been up in arms about the issue, calling the disqualification unjust. The Indian parliament and its both houses were adjourned on Monday after the opposition took a collective stance and protested the move.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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As the controversy surrounding Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from the Indian parliament gains pace, the US has also chimed in with a response. Vedant Patel, the US state department's main deputy spokesperson on Monday said Washington was 'watching' the developments unfolding in the court case concerning Gandhi.

As the controversy surrounding Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from the Indian parliament gains pace, the US has also chimed in with a response. Vedant Patel, the US state department's main deputy spokesperson on Monday said Washington was 'watching' the developments unfolding in the court case concerning Gandhi. Patel interspersed his comments with the routine drizzling of 'protection of human rights' and 'democratic principles'. "Respect for the rule of law and judicial independence is a cornerstone of any democracy. We are watching Mr Gandhi's case in Indian courts and we engage with the Government of India on our shared commitment to democratic values, including freedom of expression," said Patel. When quizzed by the reporter if the United States was actively engaging with India regarding the matter as well as Gandhi - the opposition leader, Patel said: "I don't have any specific engagements to read out. But as I'm sure you know as someone who's covered this department for some time, it is normal and standard for us to engage with members of opposition parties in any country where we have bilateral relationships. But I don't have any specific engagement to read out." "Watching Mr. Gandhi’s case in Indian courts, and we engage with the Government of India on our shared commitment to democratic values", US state dept on Rahul Gandhi https://t.co/pQb2b6bRqY pic.twitter.com/zUxk33csVy — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) March 28, 2023 × WATCH | Rahul Gandhi: Will continue to raise questions over tycoon Adani × Netizens did not take kindly to Patel's statement after it went viral on social media platforms, calling it an attempt to interfere in Indian politics. One tweeted, 'Keep watching only thing you can do', while another added, '"And we will try to lecture them on democracy, completely ignoring the fact that we ourselves support military dictatorship and thrown democratically elected government in the past" -- they forgot to add this." What happened with Rahul Gandhi? Last week, a city court in the western Indian state of Gujarat convicted the Indian National Congress (INC) leader in a criminal defamation case for his alleged 'Modi surname' remarks. The court sentenced Gandhi to two years in jail while imposing a fine of Rs 15,000 ($183), under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 499 (defamation), 500 (punishment for defamation). ALSO READ | India: Rahul Gandhi convicted in 2019 'Modi surname' defamation case, gets two-year jail term After an appeal, his sentence was suspended and bail granted to move an appeal against the conviction in under 30 days. However, the very next day, the Indian parliament disqualified the Indian MP from Wayanad - a district in the southern Indian state of Kerala. Since then, the opposition has been up in arms about the issue, calling the disqualification unjust. The Indian parliament and its both houses were adjourned on Monday after the opposition took a collective stance and protested the move. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'We are watching...': US state department on Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from Indian parliament

<p>Both houses of the Indian parliament were adjourned on Monday after the opposition lodged strong protests over the expulsion of Indian National Congress (INC) leader Rahul Gandhi. Speaker Om Birla, presiding over the lower house Lok Sabha said he wanted to run the House with dignity and adjourned the proceedings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Before the commencement of the morning session, opposition MPs&nbsp;participated in a meeting held in the chamber of Leader of Opposition Rajya Sabha and Congres chief&nbsp;Mallikarjun Kharge.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I thank everyone who supported this. That is why, I thanked everyone yesterday and I thank them today as well. We welcome anyone who comes forward to protect democracy and Constitution and safeguard the people. We extend heartfelt gratitude to the people who support us," Kharge told reporters after the meeting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last week, a city court in Surat&nbsp;convicted Rahul Gandhi&nbsp;in a criminal defamation case filed against him for his alleged 'Modi surname' remarks.&nbsp;The court sentenced Gandhi to two years in jail while imposing a fine of Rs 15,000 ($183), under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 499 (defamation), 500 (punishment for defamation).</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rahul-gandhi-will-continue-to-raise-questions-over-tycoon-adani-575706"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi: Will continue to raise questions over tycoon Adani</strong></a></p>

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<p>Gandhi&nbsp;made the alleged remarks while addressing a rally at Kolar in Karnataka ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.</p>

<p>“Why all the thieves, be it Nirav Modi, Lalit Modi or Narendra Modi, have Modi in their names,” remarked the Congress leader.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After an appeal, his sentence was suspended and bail granted to move an appeal against the conviction in under 30 days. However, the very next day, the&nbsp;Indian parliament disqualified the Indian MP from Wayanad - a district in the southern Indian state of Kerala.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-rahul-gandhi-convicted-in-2019-modi-surname-defamation-case-gets-two-year-jail-term-574899"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;India: Rahul Gandhi convicted in 2019 'Modi surname' defamation case, gets two-year jail term</strong></a></p>

<p>"Consequent upon his conviction by the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Surat in C.C./18712/2019, Shri Rahul Gandhi, Member of the Lok Sabha constituency representing the Wayanad Parliamentary Constituency of Kerala stands disqualified from the membership of Lok Sabha from the date of his conviction, i.e. March 23, 2023," read the statement released by&nbsp;Lok Sabha Secretariat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following his disqualification, Gandhi is not eligible able to contest elections for eight years unless a higher court stays his conviction and sentence.</p>

<p>Notably, the Wayanad MP is the scion of India's most famous political family -&nbsp;the Gandhi family. Despite coming from a privileged background, Gandhi has not been able to compete against the popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his BJP government. His disqualification ahead of the crucial 2024 general elections may hurt INC's chances of staging a comeback.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Both houses of the Indian parliament were adjourned on Monday after the opposition lodged strong protests over the expulsion of Indian National Congress (INC) leader Rahul Gandhi.

Both houses of the Indian parliament were adjourned on Monday after the opposition lodged strong protests over the expulsion of Indian National Congress (INC) leader Rahul Gandhi. Speaker Om Birla, presiding over the lower house Lok Sabha said he wanted to run the House with dignity and adjourned the proceedings. Before the commencement of the morning session, opposition MPs participated in a meeting held in the chamber of Leader of Opposition Rajya Sabha and Congres chief Mallikarjun Kharge. "I thank everyone who supported this. That is why, I thanked everyone yesterday and I thank them today as well. We welcome anyone who comes forward to protect democracy and Constitution and safeguard the people. We extend heartfelt gratitude to the people who support us," Kharge told reporters after the meeting. Last week, a city court in Surat convicted Rahul Gandhi in a criminal defamation case filed against him for his alleged 'Modi surname' remarks. The court sentenced Gandhi to two years in jail while imposing a fine of Rs 15,000 ($183), under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 499 (defamation), 500 (punishment for defamation). WATCH | Rahul Gandhi: Will continue to raise questions over tycoon Adani × Gandhi made the alleged remarks while addressing a rally at Kolar in Karnataka ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. “Why all the thieves, be it Nirav Modi, Lalit Modi or Narendra Modi, have Modi in their names,” remarked the Congress leader. After an appeal, his sentence was suspended and bail granted to move an appeal against the conviction in under 30 days. However, the very next day, the Indian parliament disqualified the Indian MP from Wayanad - a district in the southern Indian state of Kerala. ALSO READ | India: Rahul Gandhi convicted in 2019 'Modi surname' defamation case, gets two-year jail term "Consequent upon his conviction by the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Surat in C.C./18712/2019, Shri Rahul Gandhi, Member of the Lok Sabha constituency representing the Wayanad Parliamentary Constituency of Kerala stands disqualified from the membership of Lok Sabha from the date of his conviction, i.e. March 23, 2023," read the statement released by Lok Sabha Secretariat. Following his disqualification, Gandhi is not eligible able to contest elections for eight years unless a higher court stays his conviction and sentence. Notably, the Wayanad MP is the scion of India's most famous political family - the Gandhi family. Despite coming from a privileged background, Gandhi has not been able to compete against the popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his BJP government. His disqualification ahead of the crucial 2024 general elections may hurt INC's chances of staging a comeback. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Indian parliament adjourned after raucous protests by opposition over Rahul Gandhi's expulsion

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms - John Wick 4 movie review, Zebra escapes zoo, runs wild through streets of Seoul, Mahatma Gandhi's statue defaced with pro-Khalistan graffiti in Canada, Rahul Gandhi disqualified from Parliament.

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Rahul Gandhi, the Congress leader, conducted his first press conference since being disqualified from the Lok Sabha this afternoon. The news conference started at 1 p.m. Gandhi lost his MP designation on Thursday after a Gujarat court found him guilty of criminal defamation and sentenced him to two years in prison.

Rahul Gandhi: Will continue to raise questions over tycoon Adani

Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi has been expelled from Lok Sabha following his conviction in a criminal defamation case. A Gujarat court has sentenced Gandhi to two years in prison. Is this politics or is law catching up with Gandhi? Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas: Rahul Gandhi expelled from Lok Sabha following conviction in defamation case

<p>A day after he was disqualified from the Indian parliament, <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-rahul-gandhi-the-indian-opposition-leader-disqualified-from-parliament-575302">Congress leader Rahul Gandhi</a></strong> said on Saturday (March 25) that he is not scared of disqualifications, threats or prison sentences and would continue to question the relationship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and industrialist Gautam Adani. Addressing a press conference, Gandhi said, "I have said many times before that democracy is being attacked in the country. We are seeing examples of this each day. I asked questions in the parliament regarding the relationship between PM Modi and Adani."</p>

<p>Gandhi said that Prime Minister Modi is scared of his next speech on Adani, "and I have seen it in his eyes."</p>

<p>"That is why, first the distraction and then the disqualification," the Congress leader told reporters.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/plea-filed-in-indian-supreme-court-against-law-that-disqualified-rahul-gandhi-as-mp-575537">Activist files plea in India’s apex court against law that stripped Rahul Gandhi of his MP status</a></strong></p>

<p>On being asked if he would apologise for the "Modi surname" remark which led to the defamation case, Gandhi told reporters, "I am a Gandhi and not Savarkar, and Gandhis do not apologise."</p>

<p>Gandhi also said that even if he was disqualified (from parliament) permanently, he would keep fighting for the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I will keep doing my work. it does not matter if I am inside the parliament or not. I will keep fighting for the country," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"My job is to defend the democratic nature of the country which means defending the institutions of the country, defending the voice of the poor people of the country and telling people the truth about people like Adani who are exploiting the relationship they have with the PM," the Congress leader told reporters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from parliament comes after a court in Gujarat found him guilty in a 2019 defamation case on Thursday. During a Lok Sabha election rally in Karnataka in April 2019, Gandhi referred to thieves as having the surname Modi.<br />
<br />
After convicting Gandhi,&nbsp;the court granted him bail and suspended his jail sentence for 30 days to allow him to appeal in a higher court.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-disqualified-from-parliament-what-next-for-the-indian-opposition-leader-575354">Rahul Gandhi disqualified from parliament. What next for the Indian opposition leader?</a></strong></p>

<p>The parliament notification on Friday said that Gandhi was disqualified from the membership of the Lok Sabha as per the provisions of Article 102 (1) (e) of the Constitution of India read with Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Saturday, a plea was filed in the Supreme Court challenging the provisions of the Representatives of the Peoples Act under which Gandhi was disqualified. According to the legal news portal Bar and Bench, the petition filed by scholar and social activist Aabha Muralidharan urged the court to declare “ultra-vires” Section 8(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 which provides for automatic disqualification of a legislator from the parliament or state assembly upon conviction in a criminal case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The petitioner said factors such as nature, gravity, role, moral turpitude, and the role of the accused, ought to be examined while considering disqualification under Chapter III of the 1951 Act.<br />
<br />
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A day after he was disqualified from the Indian parliament, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Saturday (March 25) that he is not scared of disqualifications, threats or prison sentences and would continue to question the relationship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and industrialist Gautam Adani.

A day after he was disqualified from the Indian parliament, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Saturday (March 25) that he is not scared of disqualifications, threats or prison sentences and would continue to question the relationship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and industrialist Gautam Adani. Addressing a press conference, Gandhi said, "I have said many times before that democracy is being attacked in the country. We are seeing examples of this each day. I asked questions in the parliament regarding the relationship between PM Modi and Adani." Gandhi said that Prime Minister Modi is scared of his next speech on Adani, "and I have seen it in his eyes." "That is why, first the distraction and then the disqualification," the Congress leader told reporters. ALSO READ | Activist files plea in India’s apex court against law that stripped Rahul Gandhi of his MP status On being asked if he would apologise for the "Modi surname" remark which led to the defamation case, Gandhi told reporters, "I am a Gandhi and not Savarkar, and Gandhis do not apologise." Gandhi also said that even if he was disqualified (from parliament) permanently, he would keep fighting for the country. "I will keep doing my work. it does not matter if I am inside the parliament or not. I will keep fighting for the country," he said. "My job is to defend the democratic nature of the country which means defending the institutions of the country, defending the voice of the poor people of the country and telling people the truth about people like Adani who are exploiting the relationship they have with the PM," the Congress leader told reporters. Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from parliament comes after a court in Gujarat found him guilty in a 2019 defamation case on Thursday. During a Lok Sabha election rally in Karnataka in April 2019, Gandhi referred to thieves as having the surname Modi. After convicting Gandhi, the court granted him bail and suspended his jail sentence for 30 days to allow him to appeal in a higher court. ALSO READ | Rahul Gandhi disqualified from parliament. What next for the Indian opposition leader? The parliament notification on Friday said that Gandhi was disqualified from the membership of the Lok Sabha as per the provisions of Article 102 (1) (e) of the Constitution of India read with Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. On Saturday, a plea was filed in the Supreme Court challenging the provisions of the Representatives of the Peoples Act under which Gandhi was disqualified. According to the legal news portal Bar and Bench, the petition filed by scholar and social activist Aabha Muralidharan urged the court to declare “ultra-vires” Section 8(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 which provides for automatic disqualification of a legislator from the parliament or state assembly upon conviction in a criminal case. The petitioner said factors such as nature, gravity, role, moral turpitude, and the role of the accused, ought to be examined while considering disqualification under Chapter III of the 1951 Act. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

I'm not Savarkar, won't apologise: Rahul Gandhi on disqualification from Indian parliament

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