My duty remains to protect idea of India, responds Rahul Gandhi after SC's verdict

Following the Supreme Court’s verdict on the defamation case over ‘Modi’ surname remark, former-Wayanad MP, Rahul Gandhi responded by saying that in spite of any situation, his duty remains to protect the idea of India. Gandhi’s response came hours after the top court on August 4 stayed the conviction of Rahul Gandhi in the 2019 defamation case, following which Rahul Gandhi was disqualified as a Member of Parliament (MP). 

The senior Congress leader took to X and wrote, “Come what may, my duty remains the same. Protect the idea of India.” His tweet in one way is considered to be expressing his thoughts in respect with the nation, while it also appears to denote his political thoughts about the newly formed opposition alliance I.N.D.I.A. 

Rahul Gandhi was earlier convicted by Surat's Court in the defamation case

The opposition party, including the political parties that are part of the alliance I.N.D.I.A, was eagerly looking forward to the fate of the case against Gandhi. A few of the leaders of the Congress party had already said that Rahul Gandhi is the biggest face of the opposition alliance and the case against him is not only important for the Congress, but it is as important for the entire opposition. 

Earlier, on Friday, the Apex Court stayed Rahul Gandhi’s conviction in the defamation case, giving him a huge relief. The fresh development in the case has now paved a way for his re-entry as an MP in the Parliament. The Congress leader had challenged the Surat’s Court earlier order of conviction in the 2019 criminal defamation case in the Gujarat’s High Court before moving to the Supreme Court. The Surat’s Session Court had convicted him and sentenced him to two years of imprisonment, which further led to his disqualification from the Parliament. Now, after a stay on his conviction, his membership is expected to be restored.