During the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Rahul Gandhi, who participated in a rally in Kolar, Karnataka, spoke about how Modi is a common name for all thieves. Surat court sentenced him to 2 years imprisonment in this defamation case.
It was believed that being an MP, he will not be disqualified immediately. However announcement came the very next day itself that Rahul Gandhi has been disqualified under the Representation of the People Act. Following the court verdict, the secretary of the Lok Sabha has issued an order disqualifying Rahul Gandhi as a member of the Wayanad Lok Sabha.
Rahul Gandhi has been disqualified, making him unable to contest elections for the next eight years. According to law, Rahul Gandhi cannot contest elections for the next eight years unless any high court quashes or reduces the sentence.
Rahul Gandhi's disqualification has sent shockwaves across the country. All the opposition groups have registered strong condemnation. The Congress said it could not be intimidated or kept quiet by the move. The Congress leadership said that we will face this legally and politically.
“We will continue to demand inquiry into the Adani matter. Congress leader Mallikarjuna Kharge has said that we will go to jail to save democracy. Rahul Gandhi tweeted, “I am fighting for the voice of India. I am ready to pay any price for this." Despite condemnations pouring in from across the country, the court handed down the sentence. Rahul Gandhi has to face it legally.
According to legal experts, as this is a criminal case, Rahul Gandhi cannot directly approach the High Court or the Supreme Court. He should appeal first to the Gujarat Sessions Court and then to the Gujarat High Court.
Meanwhile, Congress workers staged protests in Delhi and Wayanad against Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from the Lok Sabha. Congress workers and administrators are protesting all over India. Such a situation should not have happened to Rahul Gandhi, the senior leader of the Congress party. This has become a challenge to democracy.
All the party leaders have extended their support to Rahul Gandhi. ``How much does the BJP look at Rahul? This shows that the leadership is scared. The reason for this is the impact of his Indian unity tour among the Indian people,'' said M.K.Stalin. The BJP is hoping that this move on Rahul will work in its favor and give it a hand in the 2024 elections. How can it be thought for certain is that it will not turn into a favorable wave for Rahul Gandhi and give a hand of victory to the Congress? Just have to wait and see!