'Unwarranted observation': INDIA bloc backs Rahul Gandhi on SC rap; calls it his duty to speak on national issues
The remarks came after a day after the Supreme Court censured Rahul over his alleged derogatory comments about the Indian Army, made during his Bharat Jodo Yatra.
"All the leaders of the India parties agreed that the sitting judge has made an extraordinary observation which is unwarranted on the democratic rights of political parties," the Congress said in a statement, following a meeting attended by several INDIA bloc leaders.
In a joint response, the alliance stood firmly behind Rahul, asserting that his role as leader of opposition gives him the right and duty to question the government.
"It is the responsibility of political parties, especially the leader of opposition to comment on issues of national interest," the statement said.
"When a government fails so spectacularly to defend our borders, it is every citizen's moral duty to hold it accountable," it added.
This comes after the floor leaders of several INDIA bloc parties met in Delhi to discuss the SC's recent remarks against Rahul . The meeting was attended by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi himself.
Rahul had earlier said the Chinese army was "thrashing" Indian soldiers in Arunachal Pradesh, and that the media wouldn't question it."
"People will ask about Bharat Jodo Yatra... but they will not ask a single question about China capturing 2,000sq km of Indian land, killing 20 Indian soldiers, and thrashing our soldiers in Arunachal Pradesh...
Don't pretend people don't know," he added.
Congress leader Priyanka Rahul Vadra defended her brother saying, Rahul deeply respects the Indian security forces and, as leader of opposition, has the right to question the government.
Speaking to reporters at the Parliament House complex, she said, "With due respect to the honourable judges of the Supreme Court, they do not decide who is a true Indian. It is the job of the opposition leader, it is his duty to ask questions and to challenge the government."
"My brother would never say anything against the Army. He holds the Army in the highest respect. So it is a misinterpretation (of his remarks)," she added.
The top court on Monday put a hold on the criminal defamation case filed against Rahul concerning his alleged comments about the army in relation to the 2020 Galwan Valley clash with China.
Justices Dipankar Datta and Augustine George Masih questioned Rahul, "You are the leader of opposition. Why don't you say things in Parliament, why do you have to say it on social media?"
The bench additionally enquired, "Why do you make these statements without having any material? If you are a true Indian, you won't say such a thing."
The SC also remarked on how he knew about the area being captured by the Chinese army. Was he there? ... This is not the first time that Rahul Gandhi has shown an anti-India mentality."
Reacting to the Supreme Court's remarks against Rahul over his alleged comments, Kiren Rijiju earlier slammed Rahul on X, saying, :"Supreme Court has given shri Rahul Rahul ji a tough message & lesson! If he does not even listen to the words of India's Supreme Court, how can others keep control over his useless talks?"
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