Congress leader Rahul Gandhi held a press conference at his party HQ in New Delhi at 1 pm, a day after he was disqualified from the Lok Sabha over a Gujarat court's conviction in the 2019 'Modi surname' case. The court - in Gujarat's Surat - handed him a two-year sentence it suspended for 30 days - on request from the political leader's legal team - to allow him to file an appeal.
However, the conviction meant Gandhi could be (and was) stripped off his parliamentary post and will have to appeal to a higher court to get the conviction stayed to roll back the disqualification; the Congress' Abhishek Singhvi told Hindustan Times a sessions court will be moved this weekend.
Rahul Gandhi's 1 pm presser will be the ex-MP's first words in public since he was booted out of Parliament, triggering massive protests from the Congress and other opposition leaders, including Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal.
On Friday Rahul Gandhi declared himself 'ready to pay any price' and, the day before (and after the court's verdict), he quoted Mahatma Gandhi in saying, Truth is my God, non-violence the means to get it.
Rahul Gandhi was disqualified after the court in prime minister Narendra Modi's home state ruled a comment made in 2019 in Karnataka was defamatory.
Gandhi, at an election rally, had pointed to wanted fugitives like Nirav Modi and Lalit Modi, and wondered if 'all thieves have Modi as a common surname'.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
A case was filed by then Gujarat minister and Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Purnesh Modi, who this week declared himself delighted at the court's verdict.
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.
Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.
Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.
Home/India News/Rahul Gandhi press conference today to be his first since disqualification
{{^htLoading}}
Advertisement
{{/htLoading}}
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
{{#usCountry}}{{/usCountry}}
Hindustantimes wants to start sending you push notifications. Click allow to subscribe