[ad_1]
NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha membership of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was restored on Monday, days after the Supreme Court stayed his conviction in a defamation case. The Lok Sabha Secretariat issued a notification announcing that his disqualification has been revoked and his membership restored.
Following the restoration of his membership, the Congress said it would like him to be a key speaker in the debate on the no-confidence motion likely to be taken up in Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
“The Supreme Court of India has passed an order on 04.08.2023 staying the conviction of Shri Rahul Gandhi, Member of Lok Sabha representing the Wayanad Parliamentary Constituency of Kerala. In view of the order, the disqualification of Shri Rahul Gandhi …in terms of the provisions of Article 102(1)(e) of the Constitution of India read with Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, has ceased to operate subject to further judicial pronouncements,” the notification read.
Gandhi was disqualified as a Lok Sabha member on March 24, with effect from March 23 after a Gujarat court convicted him in a defamation case and sentenced him to two years in jail. A punishment of two years and above automatically disqualifies a lawmaker.
The Supreme Court on Friday last stayed his conviction, paving the way for the restoration of his Lok Sabha membership. He represents Wayanad in the lower house.
Congress leaders hail Rahul’s reinstatement
Senior Congress leaders and party workers on Monday hailed Rahul Gandhi’s reinstatement as a Lok Sabha MP, saying it is a victory for truth and justice.
As soon as the Lok Sabha membership of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was restored on Monday, celebrations broke out at the AICC headquarters here with workers dancing and raising slogans in favour of Gandhi.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge distributed sweets among leaders of the opposition bloc INDIA during a meeting in his chamber ahead of the commencement of the House proceedings.
In a tweet, he said, “The decision to reinstate Shri @RahulGandhi as an MP is a welcome step. It brings relief to the people of India, and especially to Wayanad.”
“Whatever time is left of their tenure, BJP and Modi Govt should utilise that by concentrating on actual governance rather than denigrating Democracy by targeting opposition leaders,” he said.
AICC general secretary, Organisation, KC Venugopal said, “Democracy has won! India wins.”
“Sh.@RahulGandhi ji will continue his parliamentary journey by speaking the truth without any hesitation. He is the voice of India, he can never be silenced,” he said.
Congress whip in Lok Sabha Manickam Tagore said, “Welcome decision. Conspiracy defeated. RG returns.”
In a tweet, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said, “With enormous relief, welcome the official announcement of @RahulGandhi’s reinstatement. He can now resume his duties in the Lok Sabha to serve the people of India and his constituents in Wayanad. A victory for justice and for our democracy!”
Reacting to the development, Congress’ deputy leader in Rajya Sabha Pramod Tiwari said, “Truth has triumphed, and lies have been defeated. INDIA has won, our lion Rahul Gandhi has won, Modi Ji, your defeat has begun.”
[ad_2]
Source link