New Delhi, August 7, 2023: The reinstatement of Rahul Gandhi as a Lok Sabha MP elicited jubilant celebrations at the Congress headquarters, with opposition leaders from the INDIA alliance hailing it as a “victory of truth”.
The Lok Sabha Secretariat issued a notification, officially revoking his disqualification and restoring his membership. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge marked the occasion with sweets, symbolizing the joyous moment.
Earlier, the opposition criticized the government for the delay in reinstating Rahul Gandhi’s membership despite the Supreme Court’s stay on his conviction in a defamation case. The apex court acknowledged that while the Congress leader’s remarks were not in good taste, his disqualification would adversely affect his constituents. The ruling, delivered on Friday, paved the way for his reinstatement.
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav questioned the government’s intentions, wondering why Rahul Gandhi’s dismissal from the House occurred within hours of his conviction in the Modi surname case, while the restoration of his membership faced delays. He expressed concerns over the government’s response to the opposition’s unity and public support.
Samajwadi Chief Akhilesh Yadav emphasized that the BJP’s alleged conspiracy to disqualify opposition MPs and MLAs had backfired, leading to the exposure of their actions. This suspension became a unifying force for the fractured opposition, as 26 parties formed the INDIA or Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, vowing to challenge the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The name symbolizes their commitment to defending the “idea of India” under attack.
Earlier this year, Rahul Gandhi faced a two-year prison sentence after a Surat court convicted him in a defamation case, centered around his linking of PM Modi’s last name with two fugitive businessmen. The BJP MLA and former Gujarat minister, Purnesh Modi, filed the defamation case against him for his remarks.
The reinstatement of Rahul Gandhi now paves the way for his active participation in parliamentary proceedings, galvanizing the opposition’s efforts to confront the BJP in the upcoming polls. The opposition’s resolve to stand united against perceived threats to India’s values and democratic principles has become a driving force, setting the stage for a fierce battle in the political arena.
