Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, has found himself embroiled in controversy following his recent remarks, where he accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of exerting complete control over all national institutions. He further stated that the fight was no longer just against the BJP and the RSS but against the “Indian State itself.”
The statement, made on January 15, 2025, during the inauguration of the Congress Party’s new headquarters on Kotla Road in Delhi, has led to legal action being taken against him. An FIR has been registered at Pan Bazar Police Station in Guwahati, Assam, citing charges under Sections 152 and 197(1)d of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The provisions invoked in the complaint pertain to “acts endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.” These are considered cognizable and non-bailable offenses, indicating the gravity of the situation and the potential legal ramifications for the Congress leader.
The complaint was filed by Monjit Chetia, who has alleged that Gandhi’s remarks went far beyond permissible free speech and instead posed a direct threat to national security and public order. According to Chetia, Gandhi’s words deliberately aimed to undermine the legitimacy of the Indian State, portraying it as an adversarial force rather than an institution that represents the people.
Chetia contended that such statements from a leader of Gandhi’s stature could have far-reaching consequences, including inciting unrest and fostering separatist tendencies among certain groups. He further argued that by declaring his struggle to be against the “Indian State itself,” Gandhi had not only acted irresponsibly but had also consciously attempted to subvert constitutional authority and provoke discontent among citizens.
The complaint went on to suggest that Gandhi’s remarks might have been motivated by frustration over the Congress Party’s repeated electoral failures. Chetia accused the Congress leader of attempting to manipulate public sentiment and mislead people into believing that India’s democratic institutions had been hijacked, thereby fueling an anti-establishment narrative.
As the Leader of the Opposition, Gandhi bore significant responsibility in upholding public faith in democratic institutions, Chetia asserted. Instead of fulfilling this duty, he alleged that Gandhi had chosen to exploit his political platform to disseminate misleading information and instigate rebellion against the government. Such actions, he warned, could potentially weaken India’s unity and sovereignty at a time when national integrity must be safeguarded.
The FIR against Rahul Gandhi has sparked intense political debate, with reactions pouring in from various quarters. While members of the ruling BJP have condemned his remarks as reckless and divisive, Congress leaders and supporters have defended him, arguing that his statement was taken out of context and was meant to highlight concerns over the functioning of democratic institutions.
The legal proceedings against Gandhi could have significant political implications, potentially impacting his ability to lead the Congress Party’s charge against the ruling dispensation. Whether the case results in legal consequences or remains a flashpoint for political discourse remains to be seen, but it has undeniably intensified the ongoing friction between Congress and the BJP-led government.