What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
Former MP CM stirs row over Germany’s stand on Rahul Gandhi’s suspension; Congress distances itself from his statement
The Congress on Thursday distanced itself from the controversy over senior party leader Digvijaya Singh thanking Germany’s foreign ministry for taking note of former party chief Rahul Gandhi’s suspension from the Lok Sabha.
Following Singh’s welcoming German foreign ministry statement, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and its ministers slammed him over the tweet, dubbing it an open attempt to invite foreign powers to interfere in India’s internal matters.
Following the attack from the BJP, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that the country’s political problems should be solved from within.
“Congress firmly believes that India’s democratic processes themselves have to deal with the threats posed to our democracy by (Narendra) Modi’s assault on our institutions and his politics of vendetta, intimidation, threats and harassment. Congress and opposition parties will take him on fearlessly,” Ramesh said in a tweet without mentioning the party leader’s comment that had led to a huge controversy.
Singh, who is also a former Madhya Pradesh Chief minister, stirred a row after he thanked Germany for acknowledging the developments concerning Rahul Gandhi after he was disqualified from the Lok Sabha following his conviction in a defamation case for asking if everyone with the surname “Modi” was a “thief”.
In a tweet, the senior Congress leader said, “Thank you, German Foreign Affairs Ministry and Richard Walker, for taking note of how democracy is being compromised in India through the persecution of Rahul Gandhi.”
Thank you Germany Foreign Affairs Ministry and Richard Walker @rbsw for taking note of how the Democracy is being compromised in India through persecution of @RahulGandhi https://t.co/CNy6fPkBi3
— digvijaya singh (@digvijaya_28) March 30, 2023
Singh’s remarks came after Germany said on Thursday that “fundamental democratic principles” should apply in the case of Rahul Gandhi.
“We have taken note of the verdict in the first instance against the Indian opposition politician Rahul Gandhi as well as the suspension of his parliamentary mandate. To our knowledge, (Rahul) Gandhi is in a position to appeal the verdict,” a German foreign ministry spokesperson said.
“It will then become clear whether this verdict will stand and whether the suspension of his mandate has any basis,” she added.
Following Singh’s tweet, Union Ministers Anurag Thakur and Kiren Rijiju slammed Congress for seeking foreign intervention.
“Thank you, Rahul Gandhi, for inviting foreign powers to interfere in India’s internal affairs. Remember, the Indian judiciary can’t be influenced by foreign interference. India won’t tolerate foreign influence anymore because our Prime Minister is Narendra Modi ji,” Rijiju said in reply to a tweet from Singh.
“Put questions to all elected governments; let’s discuss and debate all issues. But don’t abuse Indian democracy and Indian institutions. The Congress Party is angry with the people of India, but why tarnish our nation’s image by insulting our vibrant democracy and its robust judiciary?” he said in another tweet.
Even Thakur targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and said, “Disgrace to the nation, Congress and Rahul Gandhi don’t believe in fighting India’s democratic, political and legal battles within the country, hence, they invite foreign powers to interfere in our internal matters. But New India, headed by PM Narendra Modi, will not tolerate any foreign intervention.”
Rahul Gandhi has been facing flak from the BJP and its ministers over his alleged remarks made in the United Kingdom during his visit earlier this month.
The Congress has rubbished the charge, challenging the BJP to produce examples of Rahul Gandhi requesting such an intervention.
The Congress has maintained that Rahul Gandhi has only been speaking about the state of affairs in India in his engagements abroad and not asking for help.
