Congress and corruption ‘made for each other’: BJP

“The Gandhis as well as the Congress party are getting encircled and that has put them on a defensive”, said Abhay Kumar Dubey, a New Delhi-based political analyst associated with the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies. Congress leader A K Anthony stood surety for Sonia Gandhi while Rahul’s surety was provided by sister Priyanka. “What happened now”, he told reporters. His father was former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who was assassinated by a suicide bomber in 1991.

The Italian-born Sonia Gandhi has led the party since 1998.

“Today, we realized that the grand old party, which was expert in carrying out corruption during their rule, has become experts in carrying out corruption as an opposition as well”. But despite the missive, party took all the limelight, alleging “political vendetta” resorted by the government, to target its leaders.

The Delhi High Court had dismissed their plea to quash the summons issued to them by the trial court on Bharatiya Janata Party leader Subramanian Swamy’s complaint.

It may be mentioned that the court later granted bail to the Gandhis on furnishing a personal bond of Rs 50,000 with one surety from each.

“I don’t understand why the Congress is celebrating the bail given by court to Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi”.

Sources said the Congress believes there is no wrongdoing as alleged by BJP member Subramanian Swamy and the HC’s “criminal intent” remark, which has been used by the BJP against Gandhis, needs to be questioned legally to wipe off the stain. “We will fight the legal battle in accordance with the law and we will fight the political battle with the Modi government both inside Parliament and also by being the voice of 125 crore people of this country”, Surjewala said.

“There is a reason why we haven’t sought exemption from further dates”.

Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal said the court granted bail to party chief Sonia and vice president Rahul without any conditions after a brief hearing.

The Congress bosses say Opposition won’t bow down to “false allegations” by the Modi govt; next hearing on Feb 20.

The High Court had made scathing observations on the “questionable conduct” of Gandhis regarding how they took control of the publication.

Talking to media, Congress leaders said, “Today Soniaji and Rahulji would appear in court over National Herald case and we are here to express solidarity with them”. “In West Bengal, the TMC leaders are also being harassed by the CBI/Enforcement Directorate and other agencies”, alleged the PCC chief. They have been summoned by the trial court on prima facie charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating, criminal breach of trust and dishonest misappropriation of property.

Party vice-president Rahul Gandhi also accused the Modi government of levelling false allegations at their opponents.

Earlier, Azad accused Modi of backing Swamy in his complaint, while party colleague Randeep Singh Surjewala termed Swamy “a stooge” of Modi.