But, the situation can also turn out to be helpful for the BJP and the Opposition, as well as a blessing in disguise for the party. Gandhi joins the distinguished company of RJD leader Lalu Prasad and SP leader Azam Khan with this disqualification, but his offence cannot be compared to that of the other luminaries.
Source: NDTV
A clear context-filled remark made at a political rally has been deemed defamatory by the court. Most of our political leaders will find it offensive that statements made during political rallies and in the fervour of election campaigns might result in removal from office and even a jail sentence. This decision has distinguished the cat from the pigeons.
If (and this is a big IF) the Congress can use the disqualification and potential jail time to its advantage, it may be a boost for Gandhi’s political career. The harsh light of public ire could fall on the ruling party if the grand old party can change the narrative and portray this as the BJP’s political highhandedness (without attributing a motive or contesting the court’s decision). The aam aadmi would believe this story more if the BJP were to celebrate Gandhi’s disqualification.
The fundamental reason why opposition unity has failed is because there hasn’t been agreement on how Congress should participate, particularly about Gandhi’s leadership. Expect non-NDA, non-UPA groups like the Trinamool Congress, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi, and the Aam Aadmi Party to be more receptive to negotiations in the event that Gandhi is disqualified.
Source: NDTV
The possibility that they could be the next target in the firing line will also bind opposition parties together. It is important to take into account the backdrop in which Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal claimed that a plot is being formed against non-BJP leaders.
Gandhi tore the UPA ordinance during his controversial press conference in 2013, but does he now regret doing so? The Congress-led Manmohan Singh government was mocked by his antics that September afternoon, which also contributed to the reputation of him as an erratic and inexperienced politician (which the BJP eventually exploited) and may have prevented him from receiving a lifeline almost ten years later. It is possible, but it is still possible to repeal a harsh, colonial legislation that makes slander a crime.
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