Rahul Gandhi Stands By RSS Remarks, Claims Will Present Historical Evidence

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has made a big statement saying he "will defend"his remarks against the RSS and asserted that everyone has the right to freedom of expression.

What Rahul Gandhi Said:

The Congress has clarified that Rahul Gandhi will not tender an apology over his remarks against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Party leaders said Gandhi will instead substantiate his remarks with historical facts and evidence before the court to support his claim. 

On a suggestion of Shri Rahul Gandhi expressing regret or apology, the question does not arise. Such a suggestion has been made in the past and not accepted by Rahul Gandhi, Congress chief spokesman Randeep Surjewala said. 

Party spokesman Gaurav Gogoi added that Rahul Gandhi has said that he will not seek an apology over what he has said and will fight the case as he wants to present his facts along with historical proof and evidence to prove his point.

Context Of The Case:

The remarks are part of a defamation matter pending in court. Congress said the challenge to the Maharashtra High Court order is pending adjudication before the Supreme Court in a Special Leave Petition. 

The party maintained that since the matter is subjudice, further comments would be made only in the appropriate forum. 

Congress Backs Gandhi

“At this point, Congress party stands with Rahul Gandhi and we are confident that we will be able to present a strong case, present all the facts and historical evidence that we are supposed to make,” Gogoi said. 

 This is separate from the recent Allahabad High Court ruling where the court said "freedom of speech does not include freedom to make defamatory statements against the Indian Army" while rejecting Gandhi’s plea in adifferent case.