Making a mistake while you speak is ok, but if that is your style, there is no excuse. Especially when you are a public face and are representing a prominent party. Rahul Gandhi, a former Wayanad MP and important Congress figure, has not yet filed an appeal against his conviction in a defamation case in which he labelled everyone with the “Modi surname” a thug. OBC members make up a large portion of the population in Gujarat, and the remark made by an elected official could have caused societal stigma for some people. His speeches have put him in trouble many times and he has been a big contributor to the world of memes. His courage to keep making funny irrelevant comments is commendable. When a leader is seen, there is an invisible team that is continuously supporting him and planning a strategy for him. In Rahul Gandhi’s case, either he does not have a team at all or he is not listening to them. We have many examples of failed politicians, not because they were not capable but because they were in the wrong company.
Mr Gandhi was found guilty on Thursday and sentenced to two years in jail and a fine by a magistrate court in Surat. In its ruling, the court stated that it wanted to set an example and gave the maximum punishment allowed by the section to encourage responsible behaviour. The severity of crime rises when someone of an MP level receives a lighter sentence, it sends the incorrect message to society that anyone can say whatever they want and escape punishment. In light of everything, the court noted that the accused is consequently sentenced to two years in jail and is required to pay a fine. This must have been a shock to Congress but there seems to be no action as yet.
Any MP or MLA convicted of any crime and given a sentence of imprisonment for not less than two years shall be disqualified from holding public office as of the date of the conviction, according to section 8(3) of the Representation of the People Act. Therefore, as of March 23, 2023, Rahul Gandhi was no longer eligible to serve as an MP. If his sentence is not overturned, he will also be unable to run in the general elections scheduled for 2024. A higher judge may grant such a stay with or without conditions.
The verdict against Rahul Gandhi was handed down four days ago. While Congress leaders and followers have sobbed uncontrollably about how Rahul Gandhi’s actions have led to the “death of democracy” and how “Modi is afraid,” Congress has yet to file an appeal with a higher court challenging the conviction. Congress has yet to submit a court appeal because the court order was in Gujarati and the translation process is taking some time. A good team, good company and good language can make a king of a common man. Bad company, a bad team and no control over language can make a prince look like a clown.
