Congress, Corruption made for each other: BJP

The Congress leaders are likely to move the Supreme Court not to seek a stay on proceedings in the lower court but to have the remarks of the Delhi High Court in the court order like “smacks of criminality” and “criminal intent” expunged.

Their nemesis, Subramanian Swamy, was the first to arrive in court with his wife Roxna at 2:16 pm.

The party rallied behind its leaders with former prime minister Manmohan Singh and party’s leaders in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and Ghulam Nabi Azad present in the court. Priyanka Gandhi also made an appearance in the court premises. Leading the party, Sonia Gandhi along with leaders marched to show solidarity with Singh.

Singhvi, who is also party spokesman, said “We have been scrupulously avoiding all hype or hoopla about this as fas as courts are concerned”.

His plea, however, was not accepted by the court.

The two leading members of India’s Gandhi dynasty were forced to appear in court accused of corruption on Saturday, in a case at the centre of a major row between the country’s main political parties. “We have complete faith in the judicial system”, he said. “Therefore, no restrictions on their travel are required”.

He said the next hearing into the case will be held on Feb 20.

Mr Swamy had filed the case in 2012 accusing the Gandhis and others – Moti Lal Vora, Oscar Fernandes, Suman Dubey and Sam Pitroda of cheating and misappropriation of funds in acquiring the ownership of the now-defunct English daily National Herald. “They refuted the allegations in their bail application”, Cheema, the Gandhis’ lawyer said.

According to top sources, the party would first consult with lawyers before taking the step.

The Congress district president P Venugopal Reddy, state party official spokesperson S Ashok Samrat Yadav and others also spoke. They were ordered to do so by the Delhi high court last week.

Known for his wit and one-upmanship, Swamy tried to turn the tide against the Gandhis once again, who he claimed would be behind bars after the next hearing once he leads the evidence before the court.

“Laws of the nation apply to all equally without fear or discrimination and I have no doubt that the truth will ultimately come out”, she said. “And it is using government agencies to do that”. But we aren’t going to be afraid by them. Our fight against them will continue. “Our struggle for Congress policies in the interest of the poor will continue”, she said as party workers raised slogans of support. He pointed out how BJP leaders have been saying that they want a “Congress-mukt” India (an India rid of Congress).

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi accused the Modi government of making false allegations against political opponents with the hope that the opposition will bow down to its diktats. But despite the missive, party took all the limelight, alleging “political vendetta” resorted by the government, to target its leaders.