Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accompanied by heavy security, left Lucknow airport for Sultanpur District Court in Uttar Pradesh to give his statement in a defamation case involving Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Scheduled to appear at the civil court by 10:50 a.m., Gandhi’s visit was confirmed by Congress Uttar Pradesh State President Ajay Rai, who mentioned that party workers would also meet him. Following his departure from Delhi airport, Gandhi was expected to attend court proceedings in Sultanpur before returning to Lucknow and flying back to Delhi.
The court appearance follows Gandhi’s absence at a previous hearing in Sultanpur on January 19, leading to the fixing of February 20 as the next date. The defamation case was initiated in October 2018 by local BJP member Vijay Mishra from Sultanpur district, alleging derogatory remarks made by Gandhi against Amit Shah during a Karnataka campaign in August 2018. Gandhi’s statement questioning the BJP’s commitment to clean politics while being led by an individual accused in a murder case was cited by the complainant.
In February 2024, the Sultanpur court granted bail to Rahul Gandhi in the case. Meanwhile, Union Minister Giriraj Singh criticized Gandhi for his statements, labeling them as anti-India and reflective of an anti-India mentality. Security was heightened around the court premises as Congress supporters gathered in solidarity with Gandhi.
