Congress has called it a ‘conspiracy’ to silence the now-former Wayanad MP, who has been questioning PM Modi’s alleged relationship with Gautam Adani.
In a huge setback for the Congress party, its former president Rahul Gandhi has been disqualified from the Lok Sabha because of his conviction in a 2019 criminal defamation case. The Lok Sabha Secretariat also declared his constituency vacant. The Election Commission can now announce a special election for the seat.
Congress has called it a “conspiracy” to silence the former Wayanad MP, who has been persistently targetting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Shri Rahul Gandhi, Member of Lok Sabha representing the Wayanad Parliamentary Constituency of Kerala stands disqualified from the membership of Lok Sabha from the date of his conviction,” the Lok Sabha Secretariat said in a notification issued today.
Mr Gandhi will get a month to vacate his official residence as the order on his disqualification as an MP is marked to the Liaison Officer, Directorate of Estates, and Parliament Annexe.
Section 8(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, says that the moment a member of parliament is convicted of any offence and sentenced for at least two years, she or he attracts disqualification.
“Rahul Gandhi’s Lok Sabha membership has been terminated. He is constantly fighting for you and this country, from the streets to the Parliament, trying everything possible to save democracy. Despite every conspiracy, he will continue this fight at all costs and will take just action in this matter. The fight continues,” Congress said in a tweet in Hindi.