Several leaders welcome Supreme Court verdict staying Rahul Gandhi’s conviction in Modi surname case

New Delhi: Many senior leaders on Friday welcomed the Supreme Court verdict staying the conviction of Rahul Gandhi in the Modi surname case.

The Supreme Court on Friday stayed the conviction of Congress leader and former Member of Parliament (MP) Rahul Gandhi in the criminal defamation case over the "why all thieves have Modi surname" remark. With the stay of his conviction, Rahul Gandhi's disqualification as MP also now remains in abeyance.

Welcoming the Supreme Court verdict, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said democracy has won. He also attacked the ruling BJP asking it to stop targetting the opposition leaders.

He said, "Truth Alone Triumphs! We welcome the verdict by the Hon’ble Supreme Court giving relief to Shri @RahulGandhi. Justice has been delivered. Democracy has won. The Constitution has been upheld."

Congress Rajya Sabha MP and general secretary in-charge of organisation K C Venugopal said on Twitter that justice has prevailed. “We welcome the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s verdict staying Sh @RahulGandhi ji’s conviction. Justice has prevailed. No force can silence the voice of the people.”

Congress Rajya Sabha MP and general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh attacked the BJP and praised Rahul. “The Supreme Court judgment is a strong vindication of truth and justice. Despite the relentless efforts of the BJPs machinery, @RahulGandhi has refused to bend, break or bow, choosing instead to place his faith in the judicial process.”

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi quoted Gautam Buddha to express herself over the Supreme Court’s decision. "Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.” ~Gautama Buddha. Thanks to the honourable Supreme Court for delivering a judicious decision. Satyamev Jayate," she tweeted.

Lok Sabha MP Manish Tewari said the apex court's order will pave the way for Rahul to return to Lok Sabha. "The stay on conviction by the Supreme Court & rightly so paves the way back for @RahulGandhi to claim his legitimate place back in the House of the People."

Mehbooba Mufti, President, PDP said, "I welcome the Supreme Court verdict staying Rahul Gandhi's conviction in a case that had no legs to stand upon. Glad that he will be back in Parliament fighting for the idea of India..." (with Agency inputs)

• #New Delhi
• #Rahul Gandhi
• #Modi Surname Case
• #Supreme Court
• #Mallikarjun Kharge
• #defamation case
• #Congress
• #bjp