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Rahul Gandhi Criticizes Detention of Gujarat Samachar Co-Founder Bahubali Shah

Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal have voiced strong opposition to the detention of Bahubali Shah, co-founder of Gujarat Samachar, labeling it a threat to democracy. Gandhi described the incident as part of a broader conspiracy to suppress dissenting voices in the media, while Kejriwal linked it to recent government raids on the publication. Both leaders emphasized the importance of truth and accountability in governance, warning that such actions reflect a dangerous trend in Indian politics. Their statements underscore the ongoing struggle for media freedom in the country.
By Narendra Chaudhary May 16, 2025, 18:32 IST

Political Leaders React to Detention

On Friday, Rahul Gandhi, the Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition, condemned the arrest of Bahubali Shah, co-founder of Gujarat Samachar, calling it a "conspiracy to silence the voice of democracy." He emphasized that India should be governed by truth and the Constitution, not by fear or oppression.

Gandhi expressed his concerns on social media, stating, "The country will neither be run by sticks nor by fear – India will be run by truth and the Constitution." He highlighted that the closure of newspapers that hold the powerful accountable signifies a threat to democracy, asserting that the detention of Shah exemplifies the "politics of fear" associated with the current government.


He further remarked, "The attempt to silence Gujarat Samachar is a conspiracy against not just one publication but against democracy itself. When media outlets that challenge authority are shut down, it signals a perilous state for democracy."


In a related development, Arvind Kejriwal, the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), also condemned Shah's detention, linking it to recent raids conducted by the Income Tax Department and the Enforcement Directorate on Gujarat Samachar. He suggested that these actions were part of a broader strategy by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to stifle dissent.

Kejriwal stated that the timing of Shah's arrest, just 48 hours after the raids, was no coincidence and reflected the BJP's desperation to silence critical voices. He asserted, "The people of Gujarat will respond to this dictatorship soon," emphasizing the need for accountability and truth in governance.