No one can get justice without fearing consequences: Rahul

CHENNAI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said “no one can get justice from the judicial system in the country without being terrified of the consequences” under the NDA regime.

Gandhi attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi while launching his party’s election campaign in Puducherry, where a Congress government is battling for survival following the resignations of several members of the legislative assembly (MLAS) ahead of the polls due in April-may. “Today, an Indian person cannot get justice from the judicial system without being terrified of what will be done to him,” he said.

He alleged that Modi didn’t allow the elected government of Puducherry to function for the last five years. “Through the office of the lieutenant governor, he is repeatedly sending you a message that your vote doesn’t matter,” he said.

On a one-day visit to Puducherry, Gandhi interacted with the fishing community, followed by a meeting with students of Bharathidasan Government College for Women and wrapped it up with a public meeting.

Gandhi also spoke in support of young dissenters, their empowerment and said people were being arrested “for what they think” while responding to a question by a student on climate activist Disha Ravi’s arrest. “No youngster in this country should allow anybody to frighten them into silence. Your words and thoughts make the country. That’s your power.”

Have forgiven Rajiv case convicts

When a student asked Gandhi how he felt about the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) members who assassinated his father Rajiv Gandhi, he said that he didn’t harbour any anger against them although he was pained by the killing. “Of course, I lost my father and for me it was a difficult time. I felt tremendous pain. But I don’t feel angry. I don’t feel any hatred. I forgive,” Gandhi said.