Freedom for abuse: BJP
The BJP on Thursday asserted that the law has to take its course if Rahul Gandhi abuses people and slammed the Congress over its criticism of his conviction in a defamation case, asking whether the opposition party wants “complete freedom” for him to “abuse” others.
BJP leader and former law minister
cautioned Gandhi, saying he will find himself facing “more troubles” if he doesn't refrain from making defamatory remarks, while Union Minister Piyush Goyal asked the Congress leader to apologise for his series of “defamatory” comments. Both the leaders also hit out at Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge for questioning the court’s order by noting several judges hearing the matter were changed.
“They should come out of their dynastic mindset and realise that no one is above the law,” Goyal told reporters, while Prasad accused Kharge of contempt of court at another presser. It was “grossly unfair” on the part of Kharge to make such comments, Prasad said.
Making such comments show that the Congress does not believe in the judiciary, he said and asked, “Does it want to keep even the judiciary in its pocket.”
“If they think that they would get action in their favour by levelling allegations against the judiciary and putting pressure on it, it is their misconception,” he said. Whether Gandhi will be disqualified from Lok Sabha, Prasad cited the provisions made in the Representation of People Act and said it is for Speaker Om Birla to decide. “This is speaker’s decision. I don’t have to say
Ravi Shankar Prasad (pic)
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President MK Stalin and actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan were among those who extended solidarity to Rahul Gandhi.
“It is highly deplorable and unprecedented a leader like Rahul Gandhi is convicted for a comment he himself said it was not made with blameworthy mind,” Stalin tweeted. anything on that,” he said.
Goyal said, “We are all in public life and have to chose our words wisely and maintain basic decorum and dignity in public discourse. Gandhi has disrespected people and every democratic institution be in Parliament or democracy. He should apologise for his series of defamatory statements.”
The BJP leaders in this context mentioned various allegations levelled by the former Congress president, be it during his recent visit to Britain or in the Rafale case. Prasad said Gandhi with his comments insulted people with Modi surname, asserting that it was very much defamatory.
“The Congress and others are saying many things but they are not saying what Rahul Gandhi had said,” he said and asked, “Won't any action be taken against you if you insult a surname in such a way?”
He said Gandhi got the opportunity to defend his case and his lawyers argued in the court before the verdict was given. He has been convicted in the case because the court was not convinced with the arguments made in his defence, Prasad added.
It has become Gandhi’s “nature” to weaken and defame the country as well as level the “filthiest abuse like accusations” against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP, Prasad said, cautioning him against continuing with such remarks. A number of defamation cases has been filed against Gandhi for his remarks, he said.
A similar case was filed in Patna by BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi and its proceedings are underway. “Does Congress want Rahul Gandhi to have complete freedom to abuse people? There is rule of law in the country and it will prevail,” the BJP leader said.
He charged the BJP’s targetting of opposition parties has now landed in trampling of democratic rights and such atrocities will see its end. “I spoke with brother Rahul Gandhi and conveyed my solidarity. I am
confident that justice will win ultimately,” he added.
MNM boss Kamal Haasan, tweeted: “Rahulji, I stand by you in these times! You have seen more testing times and unfair moments. Our judicial system is robust enough to correct aberrations in dispensation of justice. We are sure, you will get justice! Satyameva Jayate!” —N Chithra