National Herald Case Live: Won't fear Modi despite false accusations against us, says Rahul

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The Congress party is delighted and in support of what Soniji and Rahul ji and Congress will give a determined fight. We stand for certain standards and idelogies, says former prime minister Manmohan Singh.

Modi putting false accusations against us: Rahul Gandhi

“I respect the law. (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi is putting false accusations against us. He is thinking that we will bow down before them. I want to tell every citizen that we will not be scared. We will not move back an inch. But i want to tell them we won’t bow down or be scared and will continue to work for the poor,” Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi to reporters.

Centre targetting opposition parties: Sonia Gandhi

Today we did what any law-abiding citizen should do. The laws applies to everyone. I have no doubt that the truth will come out. I appeared in the court with a clear mind. I believe that the law is applicable to all equaly. There is no question of any fear and favour. The current central government is knowingly targetting the opposition parties by using government agencies. We are not scared of anyone. We will fight their agenda with the ideologies of the Congress," Congress president Sonia Gandhi to reporters.

Sonia, Rahul arrive at Congress headquarters at 24 Akbar Road for press conference.

Congressmen are purchasable by a house, I am a Sanyasi: Swamy

“Both the trial court and high court have rejected the notion that it is a personal malice against the Gandhis. In fact, the whole country is happy that I brought them to the court. This is a victory for democracy. Gandhis not exonerated from the National Herald case,’’ Swamy to CNN-IBN. 

It is a desparate and stupid move to try and bring ALJ as a section 8 company. They will end up in deeper mess,” he said.

“I don’t need support from anyone in the party, I know the law better than my colleagues,“Swamy said.

No one has approached me from the government regarding this case. I meet people from the government, the prime minister off and on and no one has said a word about this case,” he said. 

“There is no question of compromise,” the BJP leader said.

“Congressmen are purchasable by a house, I am a Sanyasi,” Swamy said.

Rajendra Khatry writes from Chandigarh

Haryana Congress leaders today staged protests in different parts of Haryana and Delhi while some leaders walked along with Congress president and vice president Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi to the Patiala House Court.

Speaking to Firstpost, Haryana Congress president Ashok Tanwar said he has been protesting in the entire state since yesterday against the BJP government’s vendetta politics. “I am in Gurgaon with my team of Congressmen to stage a peaceful protest. Today the protests are focused in Gurgaon and other parts of the National Capital Region (NCR),’’ said Tanwar.

Former Haryana cabinet Minister Kiran Choudhary said she is in Delhi at the AICC office and has now gone to the Patiala House Court along with Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and others. Congress national spokesman, Randeep Singh Surjewala who was also present on the spot, charged the BJP of playing vendetta politics.

Former Haryana Power minister Capt Ajay Singh Yadav said they have been protesting in their Rewari area agains the BJP. “My son, Chiranjiv Rao, former Congress Youth Congress President burnt effigy of Prime Minster Narendra Modi. There is nothing in the case. Swamy is dancing to the tunes of the BJP,’’ Capt Yadav told Firstpost.  

Haryana Congress spokesman Rann  Singh Mann said the entire party is solidly behind Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. “I am in Delhi and going to the court where our leaders have been summoned. The dirty vendetta politics of the ruling party must end,’’ said Mann.

Senior Congress leader and former media incharge, Pawan Jain said no agitation was being held in Chandigarh, but protests have been going since yesterday all over the state against the BJP’s move to implicate the Congress president in the National Herald case.

Sonia, Rahul to address media at 24 Akbar Road shortly.

Sonia, Rahul get instant bail, next hearing set on 20 February

Congress president Sonia Gandhi and son Rahul Gandhi were granted unconditional bail on personal bond of Rs 50000 as the court set the next date of hearing on 20 February at 2pm when the accused has been directed to be present.

Congress lawyer Kapil Sibal, who present in the court during proceedings, said complainant Subramanian Swamy opposed the bail, requesting for some conditions to be set.

BJP leader Swamy suggested that the passports of the accused should be impounded but the court ignored his request.

Congress lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi added: “It is sad that Swamy had asked for such a condition against people who are such prominent personalities. We are thankful that the court rejected Swamy’s request.”

“The Gandhis have not asked for future exemptions from court appearance,” said Sibal.

Unfortuanate action by Swamy: Singhvi

“As I told you yesterday there was no need to create hype and hoopla. It was an unfortuanate action by Swamy,” says Abhishek Manu Singhvi.

Kapil Sibal to reporters outside Patiala House Court

“We moved an application in the Patiala House Court on behalf of all the accused and the court was kind enough to grant them bail without any conditions except for furnishing security of Rs 50,000 bail bond each. 

swamy urged the court to impose travel restrictions by seizing the passports but the court declined the request.

Next hearing is on 20 February at 2 pm and we are going to appear.”

Both Sonia and Rahul Gandhi were asked to pay a bail bond of Rs 50,000 each by the Patiala House Court. Will the Gandhis gain the high moral ground by this 6-minute appearance?

Sonia, Rahul leave Patiala House court

Sonia, Rahul granted bail.

Sonia and Rahul walk to court, a picture that will play on TV screen for a long time

Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi preferred to get off from their vehicles on the C-Hexagon road, the road that encircles India Gate in New Delhi, and walk a few paces into the court premises hugging the road. As they walked together, looking relaxed and smiling, photographers and video graphers got a clear view of the two-some, suggesting that the Family carefully planned this moment. It wanted the visuals to be captured for posterity and for political use later. The optics of mother and son, the most politically privileged two-some in the country, walking into court, submitting themselves to the courts of law, is intending to send a message of their modesty and respect for the law. These images are sure to play on TV screens for a long time and the Congress, it seems, didn’t want to lose the opportunity to milk this event. That’s why Sonia Gandhi at one point, even fell a step behind Rahul, while trying to oblige a call from photographers.  

Sonia and Rahul walk into court

Subramanian Swamy is a private cmplainant and he has no locus standi. Is it a coincidence that Swamy got a Type 7 bunglow yesterday? — Congress leader Anand Sharma to Times Now.

Congress leader and senior lawyer Kapil Sibal begins argument on behalf of the Gandhis at the Patiala House Court in New Delhi.

Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and vice president Rahul Gandhi at the Patiala House Court. 

National Herald hearing begins in court 

Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi arrive at Patiala House Court

TV reports confirmed that Congress spokesperson Sonia Gandhi and vice-president Rahul Gandhi arrived at the Patiala House Court. 

Meanwhile, reports say that while senior Congress leaders came out in support of Sonia and Rahul, Subramanian Swamy was seen standing alone inside the court. Junior lawyers were waiting outside the court.

Tarique Anwar reports from the Patiala House Court

Priyanka Gandhi, Meera Kumar, Mallika Arjun Kharge, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Oscar Fernandes, Motilal Vohra and Dinesh Singh reached the court.

Scene shifts from Akbar Road to Patiala House court

After brief confabulations at Ghulam Nabi Azad’s house, senior Congress leaders have started leaving for the Patiala House courts. Lawyers Kapil Sibal, Ashwani Kumar and Abhishek Manu Singhvi just arrived at the court. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul, accompanied by Priyanka Gandhi, have left their homes for the Patiala House Court. 

The three will aruge the case on behalf of the family. Sonia and Rahul are expected to leave for the court in a short while. A batter of top Congress leaders, including Manmohan Singh, Ahmed Patel, are expected to accompany them. Their nemesis Subramanian Swamy, is already in the court.

Ajay Singh writes

Contrast today’s situation with a similar situation in November 2004 when Kanchi Shankracharya Jayendra Saraswati was arrested by the Jaylalithaa government on a range of criminal charges. In an overt display ‘righteous indignation’, the BJP which lost 2004 Lok Sabha elections mobilised Hindu sadhus and spiritual gurus across the country and LK Advani led to day-long dharna at Parliament Street. The dharna was also joined by controversial godman Asaram Bapu.

The whole show, though attracted crowds, turned out to be nothing but an expression of the BJP’s inability to reconcile with the defeat. Subsequently, the whole movement faded out.

The prosecution of the Shankaracharya and the subsequent revelations embarrassed the BJP. The manner in which the Congress has been seeking to build a political movement out of cases of criminal nature is akin to the BJP’s petulant conduct after the defeat of 2004 Lok Sabha elections. Given the nature of the case, the issue is hardly getting traction among people. It is mobilising party cadres from neighbouring states, but the muscle-flexing does not seem to be the right strategy for reviving its fortune.

Patiala House turns into a fortress

As the crucial meeting at Azad’s residence comes to an end, Patiala House Court is abuzz with activity. Subramanian Swamy arrived at the court and was seen “standing alone with junior lawyers” inside the court. Priyanka Gandhi arrived at the court as well but did not respond to any media questions.

Cavalcade from Azad’s house has left, TV channels reported. Manmohan Singh will be putting up the bail for Sonia Gandhi, latest reports say. Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Ashwini Kumar arrived inside the courtroom and waiting for Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.

Crucial Congress meeting ends

Swamy reaches Patiala House Court

Sonia and Rahul have differences… in which Bikram Vohra gives it to the channels

One news channel has just said the nation is waiting with bated breath. My breath is not bated. I am aghast at the blatant oxygen been given to the Congress party. 

It is like the arrivals at the Republic Parade except for being a farce.

If this was some sort of Hitchcock plot I’d even be ready to listen to the possibility that Subramanian Swamy and the Gandhis planned this together. In one day the little boy of lesser consequence has become the hero on the burning deck. 

Cannot stop laughing. Another genius (from my tribe) has just stated that Sonia and Rahul have great differences. He wants to go to jail and she wants bail. That is a major difference. Can’t you see the pictures? The whole family is in it together, they are the Gandhi Family Singers, goodbye Von Trapps and they are singing from the same page. 

I am sixteen, going on seventeen

And what we are doing to the nation is absolutely obscene.

Firstpost reporter Debobrat Ghose reporting from 24, Akbar Road:

Kapil sibal and ahishek manu singhvi will be represntng Sonia, rahul gandhi nd congress in d court. Strong speculations are there that the case will be dismissd.

“If it happens, Soniaji nd rahulji may come to HQ..”

24 Akbar road is highly charged. Top party leadership has askd Cong cadre not to hit the streets or crowd the court, but nutside Cong office Youth Cong and NSUI workers are raising slogans in full force. Yoth Cong flags have covered Akbar road ofc, 

Congress leader Jagdish Tytler told FP, “As there is strict instruction to keep it a low key affair, we are silent. Or else we would have shown our strength wth 20,000 strong volunteers. Whenvr attempts were made to suppress congress, it emerged more powerful. After this incident Congress will show its mettle. The Centre shouldn’t try to dismiss us.”

Our Executive Editor Ajay Singh writes

This seems to be the season of innovative political slogans once again. “Raebareli ka toofan, badlega saara hindustan (this cyclone of Raebareli would change the entire country)” is one such slogan which is being displayed on placards carried by Congress workers. Raebareli being the Lok Sabha seat of  Congress president Sonia Gandhi, the slogan conveys an unmistakable political message. Some people have obviously come from Raebareli to express solidarity with their beleagured leader. Raebareli and Amethi have always been innovative in coming out with unique slogans. Earlier, a known Congress bard Jagdish Piyush was known for inventive slogans like “Amethi ka danka , bitiya Priyanka (Amethi’s pride is daughter Priyanka)”.

Similarly, in the post Rajiv Gandhi assassination phase, Piyush came across with the slogan “Bhabhi ka shubhashish, Amethi ko diya Satish (Amethi is given to Satish with the blessing of Sonia Gandhi). This time since representatives of Amethi (representated by Rahul Gandhi) and Raebareli are under siege, be ready for more such slogans.

Z Security was given by Narasimha Rao govt, it’s only been restored, says Swamy

Subramanian Swamy reacted immediately to the Congress party’s charge that the provision of Z Security and bungalow to him showed that he was hand in glove with the BJP government and not acting in his individual capacity.

Swamy said the Z Security was accorded to him by the PV Narasimha Rao government in the 1990s. “Now it’s just been restored. It’s up to them to decide which party Narasimha Rao represented.” He said all this is because the Gandhis have been unnerved by the due process of law. “If they are not afraid let them go to the court and let the process take its course,” he said.

Watch: Kharge questioning z-security given to Subramanian Swamy

Congress leaders aggravated their assault on the BJP and Narendra Modi-led government on Saturday

Watch: Randeep Surjewala takes on PM Modi

On day of Sonia, Rahul’s appearance, Congress tones down rhetoric against courts

Soon after the High Court order rejecting the plea of Sonia and Rahul against the summons of the trial court, the Congress party, led by Sonia and Rahul, had launched a broadside against the government. It clearly said that it was a case of political vendetta which also suggested, even if not said in so many words, that the courts were being dictated to by the government.

When Rahul Gandhi said the summons were “100% political vendetta” originating from the Prime Minister’s Office, there was no other way of interpreting what the Congress was saying except that the courts were doing what they were as per the government’s bidding. 

The Congress party had also threatened all-India agitations spurred by a very aggressive Sonia Gandhi who invoked Indira Gandhi’s name (I am not scared, I am the daughter in law of Indira Gandhi"). 

From that brave talk of taking on the government and whatever it can throw at it, the Congress today was at pains to say that it’s fight was not against the courts. Leader after leader, at the press meet and on television channels, is singing just one tune: “We have the highest regard for the judiciary.” Obviously, the public perception that the Gandhis were turning a personal legal battle into a national crisis, has had its effect toning down the rhetoric against the judiciary.

Subramanian Swamy speaks to the media

“Z-security was given to me by Narsimha Rao. Congress just knows how to allege.”

Meanwhile, according to the latest reports, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra reaches Ghulam Nabi Azad’s residence.

Watch: Ghulam Nabi Azad addresses the media

The court appearance of the Gandhis won’t be without much fanfare

The real action begins after that. Both Sonia and Rahul are expected to be back in party office straight from court. They will address party workers there. Most Congress leaders Firstpost spoke to feel Swamy’s case the case does not have not have much legal merit, a lot though would depend on how the court interprets the argument and evidence provided by him for further action. Legal experts feel it could go either way.

However, the real matter it’s not something that would be decided anytime soon. The period would be used by the party to build a campaign against the BJP. The Congress is gearing up for that. The indications are clear.

With the stage set for political fireworks, here’s all you need to know about the National Herald case

Gandhis expected to arrive at Patiala House court around 2.45pm

Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and others accused in the National Herald case are not expected to arrive before 2.45pm at the Patiala House Court premises.

Ambika Soni also checks in at Azad’s residence

Show of strength at Ghulam Nabi Azad’s residence. Ambika Soni also makes her way in. Congress high command thrashing out final strategy before appearance in court.

All senior leaders meet at Azad’s residence

Ajay Maken, Meira Kumar present at Ghulam Nabi Azad’s residence. AK Antony and Oscar Fernandes are also there, say sources.

Power meet at Nabi’s residence around 1.30pm

Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and other senior leaders will meet at RS leader of opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad’s residence around 1.30pm to chalk out strategy, say sources

Congress picks its enemy, says its Modi, not the courts

From the press conference it is clear that the Congress has had a rethinking on choosing its enemies. They sought to make a clear distinction between the BJP government’s intent and the due process of law in the courts, the threesome said that the party is not agitating against the courts or the legal process itslef.

Swamy is Modi’s stooge

Taking a strong line against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Randeep Surjewala, Congress spokesperson, said Subramanian Swamy is a “stooge” of PM Modi.

“I am saying this with responsibility. Why has he been allotted a ministerial bungalow just last night?”

Mallikarjun Kharge, leader of the Congress party in the Lok Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad, leader in the Rajya Sabha and Randeep Surjewala, spokesperson, are addressing a press conference at the Congress HQ (24 Akbar Road).

Is it arrogance or stupidity to give Subramanian Swamy Z security and a house on the day of the first court appearance of the Gandhis, asks Firstpost’s Bikram Vohra

The tsunami of tweets from the Congress is clearly aimed at firmly owning the rich legacy of National Herald and to show how it is linked closely to not just Congress party’s history but also to that of Independent India.

“People came out in support even though they were told not to”

Azad added, “Congress is the Grand Old Party. We are down but not out. There are crores who love the party. Despite telling people not to rally, scores have come out in support for the party chief and Rahul. We are not at war with the judiciary, we believe in the courts and we respect their decision.”

Will the case revive the brand value of the Gandhis?

Will the National Herald case help Gandhis revive their brand value? The case is being compared to the Belchi moment of Indira Gandhi where she rediscovered her lost political mojo. There are many reasons why Sonia-Rahul won’t do an Indira, the important ones being the times are different as are the political circumstances.

Indira had grounds to claim that she was the victim of political vendetta, the present day Gandhis are not on a strong footing here. However, the case will help re-affirm the absolute primacy of the family in the party, if not in the polity of the country. Earlier, there was some murmuring over Rahul Gandhi’s ability to lead the party, this case will force all silent dissenters to rally behind him. If there’s enough intelligence going around in the Congress top brass, it will take full political advantage of the case.

Akshaya Mishra – Senior Editor, Firstpost

The tsunami of tweets from the Congress is clearly aimed at firmly owning the rich legacy of National Herald and to show how it is linked closely to not just Congress party’s history but also to that of Independent India.

From talking about how Vajpayee had called one of the Herald’s early editors (K Rama Rao) as the “dronacharya of Indian journalism” to clarifying that it is not against the law for a political party to lend money to a company, the tweets aim to help see the case from the Congress point of view.

Firstpost’s Debobrat Ghose reporting from 24, Akbar Road: 

Top leadership of Congress party comprising MPs and CWC members have gathered at Congress HQ for an important strategic meeting ahead of the court appearance of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. 

Hundreds of Congress workers and volunteers, many with posters and placards are waiting anxiously outside 24 Akbar Road.

“We’re here to express our solidarity with Madam., Rahul Bhaiyya and Congress,” a group of Youth Congress volunteers from Chhattisgarh told FIRSTPOST.

The meeting is expected to begin at 1 pm.

Ghulam Nabi Azad briefs the media

Senior Congress leader speaking to the media on Saturday said, “Congress leaders were suspicious from the very beginning that Centre and Modi government are backing Swamy in this vendetta politics. Today’s newspapers have reported that Swamy has got Z security and a government bungalow even though he is in no danger neither he is a MP. BJP has been targetting Opposition since it has come to power.” 

The senior Congress leaders are expected to meet at 1.30 pm.

Congress leaders to meet at Ghulam Nabi Azad’s residence

Latest reports say that Congress leaders are planning a meeting at senior leader and leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad’s residence at around 1.30 pm to discuss the final strategy as Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi are expected to appear at the Patiala House Court at 3 pm today.

Sonia to apply for bail but Rahul may prefer jail instead

“We have foolproof security arrangements to avoid any inconvenience to people. According to the communication we had with leaders, no procession, protest or march is expected. If it happens, we will deal with it effectively,” New Delhi DCP Jatin Narwal told Firstpost.

He refused to divulge the details of additional police and paramilitary forces, asying: “It is reinforcement, not additional deployment.”

Congress sources suggest Sonia will furnish bail bond to walk free but there are apprehensions on Rahul’s stand. “He may not apply for bail if asked by the court and prefer to go to jail,” said a senior leader of the party.

There will be six lawyers and their juniors to defend the six accused. Three lawyers will argue in the comparatively large court room to substantiate the allegations levelled by Subramanian Swamy.

Senior Congress lawyers Kapil Sibbal and Abhishek Manu Shighvi will also remain present.

The complainant’s lawyers are saying it is a “routine” proceeding in which the court can ask the accused to furnish bail bonds and walk free. “But the Congress is making a mountain out of a small mole,” one of the complainant’s lawyers told Firstpost.

Congress lawyer KC Mittal said the charges are completely “baseless”.

“There is no violation of companies act, no embezzlement of funds, then how can it be a case of cheating,” he added. He also accepted that it is a routine proceeding.

Robert Vadra, Priyanka to accompany Sonia and Rahul to Patiala House Court

As the time for their 3 pm appearance in the Patiala House courts approaches, Rahul Gandhi, who lives at 12, Tughlak Lane, Zee News has reported, has reached 10 Janpath, possibly for strategy confabulation. In family show of strength, Priyanka Gandhi and her husband Robert Vadra are also expected to accompany the mother-son duo.

Gandhis in court: Optics critical, not so much the substance
 
Senior Editor of Firstpost Akshaya Mishra says: 

Jail or bail? This no more is the big question of the day. After all the noise and fury the Gandhis apparently have decided to seek bail and make the National Herald battle political. Thus today the optics would matter more than the legal substance of the case. From the political perspective, what happens beyond today is critical both for the Congress and the BJP. The Congress would make it out to be a case of political vendetta and escalate its ongoing battle against the BJP. The BJP on the other hand will try harder to extricate itself from complainant Subramanian Swamy and seek to treat the case as a private matter between him and the Gandhis. It won’t be easy. If it decides to throw its weight behind Swamy, expect a no-holds-barred war between the parties. Fingers crossed

SPG, quick response team deployed outside court

Around 700 cops, including SPG and Quick Response Team of Delhi Police, have been deployed. Special control room for monitoring CCTV cameras has been set up. Of all six gates, five will remain closed when Gandhis will arrive here at 3 pm, reports Firstpost from Delhi.

Meanwhile, Debobrat says, Shivani, a Congress worker from Haryana waiting outside the Congress headquarters, said “We’ve instruction from Madam (Sonia Gandhi) that no slogans should be raised or no march should be taken out on the streets. We’re here with placards to express our solidarity with Soniaji and Rahulji.

While, senior Congress leaders and MPs have started gathering at the office, a large number of workers both from Delhi and outside have been waiting patiently for events to unfold.

Following top leadership’s diktat, the workers haven’t raised slogans.

Women party workers are standing in groups outside Sonia Gandhi’s residence holding small placards.

But, there is clearly a palpable tension and buzz at the headquarters as the leaders are interacting frequently with one another.

Congress leader and spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, “This is clearly political vendetta of PM Narendra Modi and Subramaniam Swamy is a small cog in the wheel of conspiracy. We’ll adhere to the proceedings of the Court of law. We’ll not cowed by the Centre’s bullying tactics.”

The Congress MPs and CWC members will have a meeting at 1 pm at the headquarters, and preparation is on full swing for it.

Sonia and Rahul to appear in court at 3 pm today

Our chief reporter Debobrat Ghose says, quoting Congress sources, members of the Gandhi family and a few leaders will arrive at the court with no accompanying fuss. Senior leaders of the party will meet at 1 pm to chalk out the strategy to handle the case politically.

Following Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s instruction to party leaders and workers down the party line that there should not be any ‘show of strength’ – in the form of rally, march, raising slogans or crowding the court premises ahead of her and party vice president Rahul Gandhi’s appearance before the court today, party workers have decided to display placards and posters in a silent manner.

Outside the Congress headquarters at 24, Akbar Road, and also outside Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi’s residence, Congress workers from Delhi and other states are waiting with various posters and placards.

One of the placards goes like this: 

“Nehru-Gandhi ka apmaan Nahi sahega Hindustan” (India will not tolerate the insult of Nehru-Gandhi).