New Delhi | Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra came out strongly in defence of her brother Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday, a day after the Supreme Court expressed displeasure over his past remarks about the armed forces. She asserted that no judge can decide who is a true Indian, and reiterated that as Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, it is Rahul’s duty to question and challenge the government.
Her statement follows the Supreme Court’s decision to stay criminal proceedings against Rahul Gandhi in a Lucknow court regarding his alleged controversial comments on the army made during the Bharat Jodo Yatra in December 2022. While granting the stay, the apex court observed that if Rahul were a “true Indian”, he wouldn’t make such remarks — a comment that drew sharp political reactions.
Speaking to reporters in the Parliament premises, Priyanka said,
“While I have immense respect for the judges of the Supreme Court, I want to say — it is not for judges to decide who a true Indian is.“
She added, “It is the job and responsibility of the Leader of the Opposition to question the government and hold it accountable.”
Priyanka further clarified that her brother, Rahul Gandhi, deeply respects the Indian Army, and his statements were misrepresented.
“He would never say anything against the armed forces. His comment was misquoted and misinterpreted,” she said.
The Congress has maintained that Rahul’s remarks during the yatra were taken out of context and twisted for political gain.
As the controversy brews, the opposition stands firmly by Rahul, viewing this as an attack on democratic dissent and the right to question authority — a fundamental tenet of Indian parliamentary democracy.
