Congress’ reactions show its “scant respect” for country’s institutions: Pralhad Joshi

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi lashed out at the Congress over the Surat court’s ruling on Rahul Gandhi on Thursday, saying the party’s leaders showed “scant regard” for the country’s institutions.

The Minister charged the Congress with “pointing fingers” at the judiciary while simultaneously aiming to “dishonour” its pride. He also called Gandhi a “habitual offender.” This comes after Congress leaders endorsed Rahul Gandhi when a Surat court sentenced him to two years in prison for using the phrase “Modi surname.” Nevertheless, the court then suspended the sentence and gave him 30 days to appeal to higher courts.

“The reactions of Congress and its leaders make it clear that they have scant respect for the institutions and they are repeatedly showing it. If the judgment had been on anybody else, they would have welcomed and celebrated it but they have started raising fingers at the judiciary after today’s verdict. They are demeaning the pride of the judiciary. They are protesting against the verdict of the judiciary outside the court,” Joshi said while addressing the media.

“During the course of the inquiry, the court repeatedly told (him) to apologise but he (Rahul Gandhi) clearly denied it. When the court has delivered the verdict, they do not have remorse. If we look at Rahul Gandhi’s history, he is a habitual offender,” he added.

Remembering the episode in 2013, when Rahul Gandhi, the then-Vice President of the Congress, tore the ordinance documents, Joshi stated that he should cease displaying “disrespect” for the country’s constitutional institutions, or else the people of India will teach him a lesson.

“When there was Manmohan Singh’s government, he had torn apart the ordinance on the same matter. The ordinance was called non-sense (by Rahul Gandhi). Showing disrespect against constitutional institutions has become his habit. We condemn it. He should stop doing it or the people would teach him a lesson,” he said.

Earlier today, some Congress officials, including party chairman Mallikarjun Kharge, mentioned a change in the case’s judge.

“He (Rahul Gandhi) has been granted bail. We knew from the beginning because they kept changing judges. We believe in law, and judiciary and we will fight against this as per law,” Kharge said.

Remembering the episode in 2013, when Rahul Gandhi, the then-Vice President of the Congress, tore the ordinance documents, Joshi stated that he should cease displaying “disrespect” for the country’s constitutional institutions, or else the people of India will teach him a lesson.

“When there was Manmohan Singh’s government, he had torn apart the ordinance on the same matter. The ordinance was called non-sense (by Rahul Gandhi). Showing disrespect against constitutional institutions has become his habit. We condemn it. He should stop doing it or the people would teach him a lesson,” he said.

Earlier today, some Congress officials, including party chairman Mallikarjun Kharge, mentioned a change in the case’s judge.

“He (Rahul Gandhi) has been granted bail. We knew from the beginning because they kept changing judges. We believe in law, and judiciary and we will fight against this as per law,” Kharge said.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot stated that the party believes democracy is in jeopardy due to pressure on the courts, the Election Commission, and the Enforcement Directorate.

“We keep saying our democracy is in danger as there is pressure on judiciary, ECI, ED & they’re all misused. All decisions are made under influence. Such comments are common… Rahul Gandhi is a courageous man and only he can compete with NDA government,” he said.

Rahul Gandhi did not respond to the ruling, instead tweeting in Hindi and invoking Mahatma Gandhi.

“My religion is based on truth and non-violence. Truth is my God, non-violence the means to get it- Mahatma Gandhi,” he said.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra stated that Rahul Gandhi is not frightened to speak the truth.

“The entire scared machinery of power is trying to suppress the voice of Rahul Gandhi through ‘saam, daam, dand, bhed’. My brother has never been afraid, nor will he ever be. He has lived speaking the truth, will continue to speak the truth,” she said.

The Surat court’s decision is related to Rahul Gandhi’s claimed statements in April 2019 at a Lok Sabha election rally in Kolar, Karnataka, “how come all the thieves have Modi as the common surname.”