Tensions ran high at Sultanpur’s civil court as Rahul Gandhi stepped in to record his statement in the defamation case filed by a BJP leader over purported insults to Home Minister Amit Shah. The Friday hearing, lasting 20 minutes, ended with the next date set for March 9.
The Congress heavyweight labeled the proceedings as vengeance driven by political animosity. Reaching via road from Lucknow, he complied with the court’s ultimatum for in-person testimony, navigating a fortress of security measures.
Authorities spared no effort: dog squads swept the premises, backed by an ASP, four COs, and extensive policing to avert disruptions. Congress leaders Ajay Rai and Pramod Tiwari flanked the venue, voicing optimism for judicial fairness and decrying it as BJP’s ploy with fabricated charges.
The saga began in 2018 during a Karnataka event where Gandhi’s words were deemed slanderous by Vijay Mishra, prompting the suit. Gandhi’s prior court visit in July 2024 was followed by no-shows, culminating in this enforced appearance.
From a spirited airport reception in Lucknow to the secured convoy route through Raebareli, the day symbolized resilience against perceived persecution. Party spokesperson Aradhana Mishra reinforced faith in the courts, predicting vindication.
As opposition braces for more such confrontations, this episode spotlights the intersection of law and politics in India, where personal appearances amplify narratives of power struggles and democratic checks.