After US, Germany reacts to Rahul Gandhi's Lok Sabha disqualification
What's the story
Germany on Wednesday reacted to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's conviction in a 2019 defamation case and his Lok Sabha disqualification, stating that "standards of judicial independence and fundamental democratic principles" should be applied in this case. The government has taken "note of the verdict of first instance" against Gandhi and the "suspension of his parliamentary mandate," said Germany's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Annalena Baerbock.
Context
Why does this story matter?
This development comes after Gandhi was found guilty of defamation last week by a judge in Gujarat's Surat. On account of this, the former president of the Congress party was expelled from the Lok Sabha last Friday. The move sparked a political dispute on a national scale, eliciting strong responses from the Congress and other opposition parties.
Details
Gandhi is in position to appeal the verdict: Baerbock
"We have taken note of the verdict of first instance against the Indian opposition politician Rahul Gandhi as well as the suspension of his parliamentary mandate," German foreign ministry spokesperson Baerbock said during a press briefing on Wednesday. Furthermore, she added, "To our knowledge, Mr Gandhi is in a position to appeal the verdict."
More details
Expect judicial independence, fundamental democratic principles to follow: Baerbock
The spokesperson also said that Germany expects that fundamental democratic principles will be applicable in the proceedings against Gandhi. "We expect that the standards of judicial independence and fundamental democratic principles will equally apply to the proceedings against Rahul Gandhi," she stated. "It will then become clear whether this verdict will stand and whether the suspension of his mandate has any basis," Baerbock added.
Twitter Post
Video of Baerbock's address on Wednesday
NEW: Rahul Gandhi case
— Richard Walker (@rbsw) March 29, 2023
German Foreign Ministry spokesperson comments for first time:
- Takes note of verdict, suspension from parliament
- Appeal will show whether verdict stands & suspension has basis
- Expects standards of judicial independence & democratic principles to apply pic.twitter.com/dNZB6vflG2
Further details
Jaishankar speaks on Gandhi's disqualification
Notably, just hours before Germany reacted to Gandh's disqualification, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Wednesday claimed that no foreign diplomat had raised the subject with him as a result of a law "supported" by the former Congress president in the past. "The law is the law, unless somebody thinks that the law is not for them," he said.
Quotes
Details on Jaishankar's remarks on Gandhi
Speaking at the News18 Rising India Summit, the EAM stated added, "Four years ago Rahul Gandhi was disparaging of a community in a public meeting. It is on public record." "A member of that community took offense and began legal proceedings," Jaishankar added while explaining how he would explain the matter to his foreign counterparts.
Twitter Post
Video of MEA's take on Gandhi issue
"The law is the law": Union Minister S Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) on Rahul Gandhi's disqualification as an MP.
— News18 (@CNNnews18) March 29, 2023
"Rahul Gandhi had an opportunity of rectifying the situation, of expressing regret. He chose not to do so," he adds
Watch #News18RisingIndia LIVE | @Zakka_Jacob pic.twitter.com/ODh4GEiVKf
Further information
US also tracking Gandhi's case
Prior to Germany, the United States (US) state department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel also commented on Gandhi's disqualification. "Respect for the rule of law and judicial independence is a cornerstone of any democracy and we're watching Mr Gandhi's case in Indian courts, and we engage with the government of India on our shared commitment to democratic values, including...freedom of expression, said Patel.
More information
Don't have any specific engagements to read out, said Patel
When asked if the US is engaging with Gandhi or India, Patel revealed: "I don't have any specific engagements to read out." "But as I am sure you know some of these covered this department for some time; it is normal and standard for us to engage with members of opposition parties in any country where we have bilateral relationships," added the official.
Further details
Know about 2019 defamation case against Gandhi
While attacking PM Modi, who was running for a second prime ministerial term in 2019, Gandhi said in Karnataka's Kolar district: "Nirav Modi, Lalit Modi, Narendra Modi... How come all the thieves have Modi as a common surname?" Purnesh Modi, a BJP legislator from Surat (West), took offense and filed a complaint, accusing Gandhi of defaming the entire Modi community.