Congress Leader Adhir Ranjan calls for swift reinstatement of Rahul Gandhi’s MP stature

Ten News Network

On Aug 5, 2023

New Delhi, August 5, 2023: In the wake of the Supreme Court staying the conviction of Rahul Gandhi in a 2019 criminal defamation case, Congress leader in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, handed over the court order and a letter seeking the reinstatement of Rahul Gandhi to the Lok Sabha Secretariat.

The court’s decision paves the way for the restoration of his Lok Sabha membership, which was disqualified in March following his conviction by a Surat court.

Chowdhury expressed his sadness over the lack of urgency displayed by the Lok Sabha Secretariat in reinstating Rahul Gandhi, despite the promptness with which he was disqualified earlier. The Congress is keen to have Rahul Gandhi back in the House soon, especially for the upcoming no-confidence motion to be discussed on Tuesday.

After receiving the Supreme Court order on Friday, Chowdhury met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and urged him to restore Rahul Gandhi’s membership. The Speaker responded that he would take a decision once he received the order from the apex court.

Chowdhury stated, “I called the Secretary General. The Secretary General said his office is shut today as it was a holiday. I asked who should I give the letter to then? He told me to give it to the Speaker, which will reach him through the Speaker’s office.”

Despite the holiday, Chowdhury submitted three essential documents – the notification issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat in March disqualifying Rahul Gandhi, the Supreme Court order, and the letter requesting his reinstatement. He emphasized that the process should not be delayed, as the Court has granted relief to Rahul Gandhi.

Chowdhury clarified that he did not intend to put the Speaker in a difficult position and maintained the highest respect for him. He urged the Speaker and the Secretary General to reinstate Rahul Gandhi before Monday, when the House meets after the weekend break, emphasizing that it is a matter of seconds to draft the reinstatement letter.