PremiumA day after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was disqualified from the Lok Sabha, he in his first press conference said that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Central government was scared of his questions on Adani and that democracy was under attack.
Apart from this, his comment that he is not Savarkar gave BJP a chance to attack the Congress leader once more. Meanwhile, Lok Sabha Secretariat gave notice to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to vacate government bungalow. The allotment of the government bungalow will be cancelled with effect from 23.04.2023.
Catch all the live updates on Livemint:
Lok Sabha adjourned for the day amid protests by opposition members.
The Congress on Tuesday announced a ‘Mashal’ march from Red Fort to Town Hall in old Delhi's Chandni Chowk in the evening. The march is against the disqualification of party leader Rahul Gandhi from Lok Sabha. Several Congress MPs will participate in the 'Loktantra Bachao Mashal Shanti March' starting from Red Fort at 7 pm, news agency ANI reported. Read here
The United States is watching Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's case in Indian courts, US Department of State Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said on Monday (local time), adding that the US engages with the Indian government on a shared commitment to democratic values, including freedom of expression.
"Respect for the rule of law and judicial independence is a cornerstone of any democracy, and we're watching Mr Gandhi's (Rahul Gandhi) case in Indian courts," he said in a press briefing while responding to a question regarding Rahul Gandhi's expulsion from the Indian Parliament.
The United States is watching Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's case in Indian courts, US Department of State Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said on Monday (local time), adding that the US engages with the Indian government on a shared commitment to democratic values, including freedom of expression.
Congress and its allies staged protests in some other parts of the country against the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi as MP from Lok Sabha following his conviction in a criminal defamation case by a Surat court.
Indian Youth Congress workers were detained in Delhi after they protested over the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi as an MP.
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari said the notice shows "BJP's hatred towards Rahul Gandhi".
"For a period of 30 days after the notice is served, one can rightfully continue to stay in the same house. After the 30-day time period, one can continue to stay in the same house by paying rent at market rates. Rahul Gandhi comes under 'Z' plus security category," he said.
Congress leader Harish Rawat said they were not surprised that notice has been given to vacate the bungalow.
"Since Rahul Gandhi questioned the PM regarding the Adani issue, the government is trying to show that they will silence the voice that disagrees with them," he said.
UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi was among those present at the meeting of opposition leaders.
Leaders from DMK, NCP, JD-U, Bharat Rashtra Samithi, CPI-M, CPI, AAP, MDMK, TMC, RSP, RJD, National Conference, IUML, Samajwadi Party and JMM were among those present. Shiv Sena (UBT) was not present amid its concerns over Rahul Gandhi's remarks concerning VD Savarkar.
The meeting of like-minded opposition parties was held at the residence of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge who had invited the leaders for a dinner.
Sources said the meeting of like-minded opposition parties decided that the protest of opposition parties will continue and will be held in front of the Gandhi statue in Parliament tomorrow with all of the opposition wearing black clothes.
The final call will be taken at the meeting to be held at Kharge's chamber in Parliament, they said.
The opposition parties on Monday decided to continue their 'black' protest on Tuesday against the BJP-led government over the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi and "trampling upon democracy in the country" and a final call will be taken in the morning, sources said.
The meeting of like-minded opposition parties was held at the residence of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge who had invited the leaders for a dinner.
Rahul Gandhi, on Friday, was disqualified as a member of the Lok Sabha, a day after a Surat court sentenced him to two years imprisonment in a defamation case filed against him over his 'Modi surname' remark.
The decision came pertaining to his remark made in April 2019, where he had said "how come all the thieves have Modi as the common surname" at a Lok Sabha election rally at Kolar in Karnataka. The court approved Gandhi's bail on a surety and stayed the sentence for 30 days to allow him to approach the higher courts.
Notably, days after his disqualification as MP following a Surat court's verdict in a criminal defamation case, the Housing Committee of Lok Sabha has sent Congress leader Rahul Gandhi a notice to vacate the government bungalow allotted to him.
Rahul Gandhi has been asked to vacate 12, Tughlaq Lane in the national capital.
Rahul Gandhi has been given a period of 30 days to vacate the premises to avoid eviction.
Rahul Gandhi, on Friday, was disqualified as a member of the Lok Sabha, a day after a Surat court sentenced him to two years imprisonment in a defamation case filed against him over his 'Modi surname' remark.
As Congress leader, Rahul Gandhi's disqualification has triggered a war of words between the grand old party and the BJP-led Union government, party general secretary KC Venugopal said that every opposition party is together and they will move forward with the same energy.
Venugopal further took a jibe at the notification sent by the Housing Committee of Lok Sabha asking to vacate the government bungalow allotted to him.
"Rahul Gandhi is not worried about the house. Whatever the government of India is doing with the country's democracy is a bigger issue, that is what he told. Every Opposition party is together, we had a cordial discussion and we will move forward with the same energy," he told ANI.
Protest of Opposition parties in black clothes will continue tomorrow as well in front of Gandhi statue in Parliament. Final call to be taken tomorrow at a meeting at Rajya Sabha LoP office.
In the joint meeting of opposition leaders in Parliament against Rahul Gandhi's disqualification, two Trinamool Congress MPs - Prasun Banerjee and Jawhar Sircar - became the attendees. Their presence was noted by Congress boss Mallikarjun Kharge.
Opposition MPs in Rajya Sabha raise slogans demanding the constitution of JPC on the Adani stocks issue.
House adjourned to meet again at 11am on 28th March.
"What was the haste to disqualify Rahul Gandhi? He was disqualified within 24 hours. His family has a history. They fought the British, went to jail and sacrificed for the nation. Today he - their descendant - has to face this. You might have grievances but nothing should be done out of prejudice," said SP MP ST Hasan.
"If someone says, ‘Hasan is corrupt,’ does that defame the entire Hasan community? This is just face-saving. OBC community knows this. They are saying that what is happening is wrong, and that Rahul Gandhi didn't insult anyone. He should not have been disqualified hastily," Hasan added.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday continue his tirade against Modi government and put allegations that public's retirement money being invested in Adani's companies in a tweet.
"Wrong statement. He's a Gandhi but no need to drag Savarkar's name. Savarkar is our inspiration. Inspiration behind our fight is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj & Veer Savarkar," says Sanjay Raut on Rahul Gandhi's "My name isn't Savarkar & Gandhi never apologises" remark. "I will definitely try to speak to him," he says when asked if he will speak face-to-face with Rahul Gandhi in Delhi over this issue (Rahul Gandhi's "My name is not Savarkar, it is Gandhi and Gandhi never offers an apology" remark)
The Prime Minister who took India to new heights, if some people have to say these things about him then the public will give them a befitting reply just like they have done before: Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's reported "coward" remark about PM Modi
In an attempt to show unity, the opposition parties protested against the Centre over the Adani Group issue wearing black attire and marched from the Parliament complex towards Vijay Chowk in the national capital on Monday.
The opposition MPs raised slogans against the government at the Gandhi statue in the complex and demanded the constitution of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) over the Adani issue.
Why are we here in black clothes? We want to show that PM Modi is ending democracy in the country. He first finished autonomous bodies, then they put up their own govt everywhere by threatening those who had won polls. Then they used ED, CBI to use bend those who didn't bow: Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge
Former Lakshadweep MP Mohammed Faizal seeks early hearing in SC on plea challenging his disqualification from Lok Sabha. SC agrees to list for hearing on Tuesday plea of disqualified Lakshadweep MP Mohammed Faizal.
Opposition MPs protest near Gandhi statue in Parliament, wearing black attire, over Adani Group issue. Congress president Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi also join the protest.
Rajya Sabha proceedings adjourned till 2 pm as opposition creates ruckus over Adani issue.
On Opposition's protest over disqualification of Rahul Gandhi, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri says, "...You are getting an ass to run a horse's race...They really deserve to do some serious introspection...People of India would judge them for what they are...Fight Court's action in the Court, you are invoking Mahabharat and Savarkar."
A strategy meeting of Opposition leaders is underway at the chamber of LoP Rajya Sabha and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge in Parliament building.
Leaders of INC, DMK, SP, JD(U), BRS, CPI(M), RJD, NCP, CPI, IUML, MDMK, Kerala Congress, TMC, RSP, AAP, J&K NC & Shiv Sena are present.
To distract the attention from all issues, PM Modi has brought forth the issue of OBC & traitor issue from London...If you want to speak against Rahul Gandhi why is it not said in Parliament? Is Parliament the place to apologise? Had that been the case, PM Modi would have had to apologise dozens of times."
When we speak in Parliament, they don't let the House function. When we speak outside, they take a decision that leads to disqualification. When we sit in protest in black clothes in front of these black-hearted people who butcher democracy, I'll show them my black watch & tell them that your time is up & democracy would come to the country after 2024. Opposition would form the Govt with a 3/4 majority: Congress MP Pramod Tiwari
We want the truth to come out. If Adani's assets have increased in just two and a half years, what can be the reason behind it? If he has magic that can do that, we would like to tell the same to the citizens...If JPC is constituted, we would get to know about the magic and people would also come to know: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge
Hitting out at Rahul Gandhi, Union Minister Anurag Thakur has said the Congress leader can never be Veer Savarkar even in his "best dreams" as it required strong determination and love for the country.
We have seen Rahul Gandhi working as a habitual offender. In 2018, when he was reprimanded by Supreme Court, he protected himself by apologising. He will have to remember that the SC had told him to refrain from making such mistakes in future. Despite being given an opportunity by Court to tender an apology, out of arrogance he considered this an insult. After sentencing, the manner in which Congress questioned the Court, judiciary and the judge, makes it clear that the party, party's leadership & leaders don't believe in Constitution & judiciary: Union Minister GS Shekhawat
AAP MP Raghav Chadha files suspension of business notice under Rule 267 in Rajya Sabha to discuss "the attempts being made by the ruling dispensation to eliminate political opponents through frivolous criminal cases across the country, disqualifying them as elected representatives and putting prominent members from the opposition behind bars in order to suppress the voice of the opposition"
TMC MPs Jawhar Sircar and Prasun Banerjee to participate in the meeting called by Congress chief & Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge today: Sources
Congress MPs from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to meet at the Congress Parliamentary Party office at the Parliament at 10.30 am today.
Congress MP Manish Tewari gives adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha to discuss the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi
Members of the United Democratic Front (UDF) on Sunday took out a torch march in Thiruvambady in Kerala's Wayanad constituency against the Central government in the wake of the disqualification of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi from Lok Sabha who was representing the seat in Parliament.
Several protest marches are being organised by Congress and UDF across the constituency against Rahul Gandhi's disqualification.
In Kozhikode, Muslim Youth League also conducted a light march.
Cautioning Congress leader Rahul Gandhi not to insult Vinayak Savarkar, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray warned that demeaning Savarkar would create "cracks" in the opposition alliance.
Uddhav Thackeray further said that he considers Hindutva ideologue V D Savarkar as his idol and asked the Congress leader to refrain from insulting him.
"Savarkar suffered unimaginable torture in the Andaman cellular jail for 14 years. We can only read the sufferings. It is a form of sacrifice. We will not tolerate the insult of Savarkar," Uddhav said.
I'm against this, be it Rahul Gandhi or Lalu Prasad Yadav or any other MP/MLA. Until last court announces sentence it (disqualification) shouldn't happen. It isn't good for democracy. In this way, entire Parliament and Vidhan Sabha will be emptied out: Ghulam Nabi Azad
United Democratic Front (UDF) takes out a march in Thiruvambady in Wayanad constituency against the Central government in the wake of the disqualification of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi from Lok Sabha.
Like-minded Opposition Party leaders to meet tomorrow in the Rajya Sabha LoP chamber in Parliament to discuss the strategy for the floor of the house.
Congress MPs to continue their protest over the Adani-Hindenburg issue and disqualification of Rahul Gandhi in Parliament tomorrow. Party's MPs from Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will attend the Parliament wearing black clothes, people aware of the development from Congress informed news agency ANI.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said those who weaken democracy cannot observe “Satyagraha".
“Those who divide the country on the lines of language and regionalism cannot practice Satyagraha. Nobody has the right to engage in Satyagraha who does not have compassion for people," Adityanath said in a statement issued here.
He said Mahatma Gandhi always supported truth and non-violence. Gandhiji made an appeal for this which is called 'Satyagraha', Adityanath added.
“How could those who have no sympathy for people engage in Satyagraha? One who follows the path of untruth cannot talk of Satyagraha and it cannot be practiced by those who are corrupt," he said.
About 10 other opposition parties of the state - including Raijor Dal chief and MLA Akhil Gogoi and litterateur Dr Hiren Gohain - joined the sit-in demonstration.
The Puducherry Pradesh Congress Committee will hold a dawn to dusk fast on Monday to condemn the disqualification of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as member of Parliament.
"Is it good for our democracy when the principal opposition leader is not allowed to raise his voice in parliament where we have a PM who speaks to the world about India as the mother of democracy? Is this good for our country"? Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said.
Several Congress functionaries were detained in Gujarat on Sunday during the party's 'Sankalp Satyagrah' agitation against the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi.
"When (Bharat Jodo) Yatra was being taken out and Rahul Gandhi's popularity was rising, they (BJP) hatched a conspiracy to weaken a youth leader. They have a history of hatching conspiracies. They couldn't answer the allegations and questions against Adani," said Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot at the Congress party's Sankalp Satyagraha in Delhi.
“In 50 years of my political career, I have never seen an issue arise, allegations levelled and political leaders not give a reply. This is the first such incident after independence when the Prime Minister, instead of answering the allegations, is not even uttering Adani's name," he added.
BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Sunday hit out at the Congress and said the "Sankalp Satyagraha'" launched by the party is in fact a "Duragraha" against Other Backward Class (OBCs) and courts of this country.
Poonawalla said that the Satyagraha launched by Congress on Sunday to protest against the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi reflects their "Duragraha" for courts and for the constitution.
The Congress in Telangana on Sunday began a day-long dharna at Gandhi Bhavan here against the disqualification of senior party leader Rahul Gandhi from the Lok Sabha. Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) President, A Revanth Reddy, party MPs from the state, AICC incharge of party affairs in Telangana Manikrao Thakre and several leaders took part in the protest and expressed their solidarity with Rahul Gandhi
This (Satyagraha) is not just about Congress party or Rahul Gandhi, this is about Indian democracy. Is it good for our democracy when the principal opposition leader is not allowed to raise his voice in Parliament where we have a PM who speaks to the world about India as the mother of democracy, is this good for our country?: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor
Former finance minister and senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Sunday said his party’s leader Rahul Gandhi’s disqualification from Lok Sabha would strengthen the Congress party, helping its prospects in next year's general election.
Describing the political landscape as an “undeclared emergency", Chidambaram in an exclusive emailed interview said the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) has made the Congress its “prime target" wishing its elimination in order to more easily manage the regional parties.
My brother went to PM Modi and hugged him in the Parliament and said I have no hatred for you. We might have different ideologies but we do not have the ideology of hatred: Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra
My father was insulted in the Parliament, my brother has been given names like Mir Jafar. Your ministers insult my mother in the Parliament. One of your CM said Rahul Gandhi does not even know who his father is, but no action is taken against these people: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra
The Punjab and Haryana units of Congress began a day-long 'Sankalp Satyagraha' here on Sunday to protest against Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from Lok Sabha.
Both units are holding separate events at the state headquarters as part of the protest programme in which many senior leaders are taking part.
Speaking to reporters, Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring alleged that the action against Rahul Gandhi was taken because the BJP-led Centre was "scared" of his next speech in Parliament on the Adani issue.
Bharatiya Janata Party leader RP Singh on Sunday lashed out at the Congress party after former Congress MP and 1984 anti-Sikh riots accused Jagdish Tytler joined the Congress protest at Raj Ghat where the party is holding a 'Sankalp Satyagraha' against the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi.
"It is clear what kind of a Satyagraha they (Congress) are doing. The killer of Sikhs (Jagdish Tytler) has joined this Satyagraha. Congress cannot stay without Tytler. He is invited by the party to every event," BJP leader RP Singh told ANI.
The Congress' Rajasthan unit on Sunday began its day-long "Sankalp Satyagraha" here in support of Rahul Gandhi following his disqualification from the Lok Sabha.
The party's state unit chief Govind Singh Dotasra, minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas and several other leaders are taking part in the protest at the Collectorate Circle.
Rahul Gandhi changed his Twitter bio and added ‘Dis'Qualified MP’ in it. Read more
The Delhi Police has denied permission to the Congress for holding 'satyagraha' at Rajghat to protest against Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from the Lok Sabha, officials said on Sunday.
In a letter, the Delhi Police said the request was rejected due to law and order and traffic reasons and prohibitory orders under Section 144 CrPC imposed in and around Rajghat.
A senior police officer told PTI that while permission for holding the satyagraha has been denied, adequate security arrangements have been put in place.
BJP is not letting Rahul Gandhi speak. Rahul Gandhi is fighting for the nation, and for the right of the public and we will not stop. Today we are going to the Gandhi Smarak and will do Satyagraha there: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrives at Rajghat to attend the party's Sankalp Satyagraha.
Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Jairam Ramesh, KC Venugopal and other leaders leave from the residence of party president Mallikarjun Kharge
Congress party is holding a day-long Sankalp Satyagraha at Rajghat to protest against disqualification of Rahul Gandhi as an MP.
The Congress will hold a day-long 'Satyagraha' in front of Gandhi statues at all states and district headquarters on Sunday to protest against Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from Lok Sabha.
The satyagraha will begin at 10 AM and end at 5 PM.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will stage the satyagraha at Raj Ghat in the national capital.
Attacking Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on Veer Savarkar, BJP leader Giriraj Singh on Saturday attacked Rahul Gandhi, saying that "it will take him many lives to be like Savarkar".
Responding to his remarks, Giriraj Singh, took a jibe at Rahul Gandhi, and said, "He is saying that he is Gandhi, but he should specify which 'Gandhi' he is? The Gandhi that his grandfather was?"
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday came down heavily on the BJP-led Centre, saying that the move against Wayanad MP is an example of a political conspiracy of the government.
"This is an example of a political conspiracy of the government. Rahul Gandhi hasn't been attacked it's the voice of democracy that's being attacked," Sukhu said while talking to ANI.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday hit out at the Congress leader saying that former Wayanad MP had "insulted" the OBC community.
"Rahul Gandhi was sentenced to two years and was disqualified. He took Modiji's name and insulted the OBC community," Sawant said while talking to ANI.
He further said that the court order to sentence imprisonment to Rahul Gandhi to two years is "correct".
Former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad launched a scathing attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and said that he is resorting to lies again to defend his London speech. The senior BJP leader also added that after his disqualification from Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi is trying to prove himself a “martyr" and is looking at taking political mileage in the upcoming Karnataka polls.
“The fact is that businessmen Adani's issue has nothing to do with his disqualification. In fact, it is Rahul Gandhi, who is trying to distract attention from his habit of speaking disparagingly about others and in this case the backward classes. It is the Surat court that served him sentence after he did not apologize for his casteist remark," Prasad told reporters at the Bihar BJP office in Patna. Read More
Amid tension regarding the dismissal of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as a member of the Parliament, the former MP from Wayanad has stated that ‘he is a Gandhi and Gandhis do not apologise’.
"Gandhi does not offer an apology to anyone," Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Saturday responding to a query on repeated calls by the BJP seeking his apology over various issues. Read More