It is common for political leaders to defame and accuse members of opposition parties while campaigning for elections or putting across their point. But the statement by the current Congress President Rahul Gandhi about Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying “Chowkidar Chor Hai” during a political rally attracted a lot of criticism and an explanation from Supreme Court.
Remarks Made In Heat Of Campaigning, Says Rahul
In his reply, Rahul Gandhi expressed regret for making such derogatory remarks against the Indian PM and told the apex Indian court that the statement was made in the heat of campaigning.
The Supreme Court of India had asked the Congress Supremo to submit his reply by April 22. The apology came in reply to the contempt petition filed by the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) on the Rafale controversy in SC.
The statement was made by R. Gandhi after the Supreme Court announced that it will allow reviewing of the leaked Rafale documents. The Congress President said that it was a moral victory and that with this decision the SC has made it clear that the PM Narendra Modi “committed theft.”
During his rally in Amethi, he said, “The Supreme Court has made it clear that chowkidarji (watchman) has committed a theft.”
Congress President Misinterpreted PM’s Statement, Says BJP
In its clarification, the Supreme Court said that it never made any such remarks regarding the role of Prime Minister in the Rafale deal. Meenakshi Lekhi, MP of BJP represented her party and filed the criminal petition in Supreme Court against Rahul Gandhi.
In the petition, Lekhi pleaded that the President of Congress deliberately misinterpreted the order of the court issued on April 10 that allowed leaked Defence ministry documents to be taken for review.
Lekhi further added, “He is representing his personal statements as a Supreme court order and is trying to create a prejudicial image in the minds of the public.”
