Delhi Police at Rahul Gandhi's doorstep: Cong labels it worst example of political vendetta, harassment

The Delhi Police move against Rahul Gandhi was denounced by the Congress on Sunday as the worst instance of "political vengeance" and "harassment," and it was claimed that the Government was erroneously creating a precedent by filing similar charges against political opponents. Party leaders Ashok Gehlot, Jairam Ramesh, and Abhishek Singhvi claimed the action was a clear instance of "vendetta, intimidation, and harassment" in order to create a climate against the former Congress president. They were speaking at a joint news conference at the AICC headquarters here.

Gehlot claimed that the central government was setting a poor example by filing cases in response to comments made by opposition leaders during political campaigns. He added that BJP leaders might also be subject to similar action for comments made in states where the central government does not have control.

According to him, Government ministers who make similar remarks before elections in opposition-ruled states might be subject to the same punishment as the Delhi Police. In response to a notice served on Rahul Gandhi for saying at the Bharat Jodo Yatra that "women are still being sexually abused," the Delhi Police visited his home on Sunday.

Gandhi's home at 12, Tughlaq Lane was visited by the police team led by Special Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Sagar Preet Hooda, according to authorities.

Attacking the police's actions, Singhvi said that because Gandhi made the disputed comments in Srinagar on January 30, they are not within the purview of the Delhi Police.

He also questioned why, 45 days after the former Congress chief's statements, the municipal police department was acting with such haste to pay numerous visits to Gandhi's home.

The Congress and other opposition parties won't change their positions, he said, adding that the action was intended to draw focus away from the Adani problem.