Defamation case against Rahul Gandhi for comparing PM Narendra Modi with Nirav Modi

Gorakhpur: A defamation case has been registered against Congress chief Rahul Gandhi for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Congress party's National Conclave which was held in New Delhi recently.

The case against the Gandhi scion was filed by BJP leader Shalabh Mani Tripathi.

BJP spokesperson Shalabh Mani Tripathi filed the defamation complaint at the Deoria district fast-track court under IPC sections 499 and 500 (defamation).

Giving more details, Tripathi's counsel said the matter will come up for hearing on April 5.

"During the Congress party national conclave in Delhi, Rahul Gandhi tried to draw similarities between PM Modi, Nirav Modi (tainted diamond businessman) and Lalit Modi (former IPL commissioner)," Tripathi was later quoted as saying by the PTI.

Tripathi further stated that Rahul, during his speech at the Congress Conclave, also said the name Modi had become synonymous to corruption. 

The BJP leader said that Rahul Gandhi's remark has hurt the sentiments of saffron party workers and countrymen and that's why he decided to file a defamation case against him in Deoria court.

However, reacting to the development, the Congress said it would keep raising voice against government's policies and its "failure" to check corruption.

"It is our duty to raise issues related to the people of the country and we will continue to do so," Congress district general secretary Anwar Hussain told PTI. 

"We are ready to face court cases and even jail for the country," he added.

Rahul Gandhi had compared PM Modi with Nirav Modi and Lalit Modi, both accused of fleeing the country after massive fraud, while addressing the three-day Congress national conclave in Delhi which began from March 16.

Congress president has been regularly attacking the Narendra Modi government over various issues like 39 Indians' murder in Iraq, CBSE papers leak, GST, notes ban and India-China standoff over Doklam etc. 

Referring to a poll conducted by him on Twitter, the Congress chief recently said that thousands took part in it and voted on how PM Modi would deal with any future Doklam-like situation with China.

Taking a jibe at PM Modi, the Gandhi scion had tweeted, “Last week thousands took my Twitter poll. 63% felt Modi Ji would use hugplomacy, blame RM and cry in public to deal with the Doklam issue! For India’s sake, I hope you were wrong and our 56-inch strongman has a plan.”

(With PTI inputs)