Rahul Gandhi Acquitted in Defamation Case, Sparks Political Tensions

Rahul Gandhi's recent acquittal in a defamation case has sparked renewed political tensions between the Congress and BJP. Following the court's decision, Congress leaders celebrated while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh criticized remarks made by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge about Prime Minister Modi. The situation escalated with protests from BJP supporters demanding apologies from both Kharge and Gandhi. This incident highlights the ongoing political rivalry and the implications of public statements in the current political landscape.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 26, 2026, 14:58 IST

Political Tensions Rise Following Court Verdict

Union Home Minister Amit Shah (left) and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. (Photo)

New Delhi, Oct 26: Rahul Gandhi's recent acquittal in a defamation lawsuit against Amit Shah has reignited tensions between the Congress and BJP. The Congress party has directed its criticism towards the BJP, while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh responded to comments made by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A special court in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, ruled in favor of Gandhi, dismissing the defamation claims related to his statements made in 2018 about Shah, who was then the president of the BJP.

Following the verdict, K C Venugopal, Congress's general secretary in charge of organization, expressed satisfaction, stating that the court found Gandhi's comments were not defamatory.

Venugopal highlighted Gandhi's previous statements, asserting, “People in India forget that the president of BJP is a murder accused. That's the truth. The party that talks about honesty, decency, has a person who has been accused of murder as president.”

He further alleged that the BJP is a party led by criminals, promoting individuals guilty of severe crimes to positions of power, and vowed that Congress would continue its struggle against the BJP through Gandhian principles of love and perseverance.

Santosh Pandey, representing the plaintiff Vijay Mishra, confirmed Gandhi's acquittal. Following the ruling, Congress supporters celebrated outside the court, playing drums, distributing sweets, and chanting “Satyamev Jayate” (truth alone triumphs) as Gandhi exited.

In a separate incident, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh criticized Kharge for his remarks about Modi, labeling them as “extremely unfortunate.”

Singh emphasized that Kharge, given his position, should exhibit more seriousness and dignity in public discourse. He remarked that the Congress's political standards are declining and that Kharge's comments reflect a broader ideological decline.

Kharge's controversial statement, “Modi ka baap bhi jayega,” made during an event in Patna, Bihar, sparked protests across the nation, with BJP workers demonstrating near Kharge's residence in Delhi, demanding apologies from both Kharge and Gandhi.