Rahul Gandhi’s arrival in Lucknow set off waves of cheers from Congress ranks on Friday, as he prepared for a crucial court date in Sultanpur. The defamation proceedings relate to his past comments on Home Minister Amit Shah, originating from a fiery 2018 election rally moment.
Akhilesh Pratap Singh provided the update: straight from Delhi to Lucknow, then onward to Sultanpur court for statement recording, looping back post-hearing to Delhi. ‘It’s all planned meticulously,’ he shared.
Ajay Rai echoed the sentiment, stressing personal presence. ‘Date confirmed, Rahul ji attending himself. Expect crowds of loyalists eager to stand with him,’ he predicted.
Taking a firm stance, Aradhana Mishra Mona labeled it vendetta politics. ‘Cases slapped nationwide to trap Rahul Gandhi in legal webs. Still, judiciary commands our complete confidence; party’s leadership and base remain rock-solid in support,’ she proclaimed.
The dispute traces to May 8, 2018, when Gandhi spoke at a Bengaluru press conference. BJP’s Vijay Mishra responded with a Sultanpur defamation FIR on August 4 that year. Court records show a last-chance summons on January 6 unmet, as lawyer Kashi Prasad Shukla cited Kerala duties.
With proceedings underway, Congress leaders frame this as standard legal navigation, reaffirming commitment to due process amid broader narratives of targeted opposition harassment.