The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced plans to file a contempt of court petition against Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, accusing her of making “irresponsible” statements following the Supreme Court’s observations on remarks made by her brother, Rahul Gandhi, about the Indian Army. The move escalates political tensions between the ruling party and the opposition amid a heated controversy over national security rhetoric.
BJP MP and senior advocate Manan Kumar Mishra told ANI that Priyanka’s public comments constituted contempt of court. “She has made irresponsible statements before the media without understanding the court’s intent. We will file a contempt petition through the Bar and lawyers, as the public will not tolerate such remarks,” Mishra said. The petition stems from Priyanka’s defense of Rahul Gandhi after the Supreme Court criticized his comments on the India-China border issue.
On Monday, a Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and Augustine George Masih expressed disapproval of Rahul Gandhi’s December 2022 statements during the Bharat Jodo Yatra. Gandhi had claimed that China occupied 2,000 square kilometers of Indian territory, killed 20 Indian soldiers, and attacked soldiers in Arunachal Pradesh’s Yangtse region. Justice Datta questioned the credibility of Gandhi’s claims, stating, “If you are a true Indian, you would not say this. How do you know China occupied 2,000 square kilometers? What is the credible material?”
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Responding on Tuesday, Priyanka defended her brother, asserting that his remarks were misinterpreted. “Rahul holds the Indian Army in the highest regard. It’s the duty of the Opposition Leader to challenge the government. He would never say anything against the Army,” she said, dismissing the controversy as a misinterpretation. She emphasized that determining who is a “true Indian” is not the role of others.
Rahul’s original remarks, made on December 16, 2022, criticized the media for focusing on internal Congress issues while ignoring the border situation. “The Indian press doesn’t ask a single question about China capturing 2,000 square kilometers of Indian territory or killing our soldiers. The nation is watching, and people know the truth,” he had said.
The BJP’s decision to pursue a contempt petition underscores the deepening political divide, with the party framing Priyanka’s comments as disrespectful to the judiciary. The controversy also highlights the sensitivity of national security issues, particularly in the context of India-China relations following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. As the legal and political battle unfolds, the Supreme Court’s observations and the BJP’s response signal a contentious road ahead for the Congress leadership.
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