SC remarks on Rahul Gandhi 'extraordinary, unwarranted': Opposition

NEW DELHI: The opposition INDIA bloc on Tuesday termed as "unwarranted" Supreme Court 's remarks on Rahul Gandhi , asserting that they encroach on the democratic rights of political parties, which have a responsibility to speak on issues of national interest. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said the Supreme Court cannot decide who is a "true Indian", stressing that Rahul holds the Army in the highest regard.

A joint statement issued by the bloc said, "All the leaders of the INDIA parties agreed that the sitting judge has made an extraordinary observation, which is unwarranted given the democratic rights of political parties. It is the responsibility of political parties, especially the leader of opposition, to comment on issues of national interest".

It added, "When a govt fails so spectacularly to defend our borders, it is every citizen's moral duty to hold it accountable". INDIA bloc discussed the apex court's remarks at the morning meeting of floor leaders in Parliament, which was attended by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. After RSP MP NK Premachandran raised the issue, questioning SC's remarks, the same was endorsed by John Brittas (CPM), Kanimozhi (DMK), Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar (TMC), Ramgopal Yadav (SP), Arvind Sawant (SS-UBT), Supriya Sule (NCP-SP), Rajkumar Roat (BAP). A decision was then made to issue a joint statement .

Later, speaking to reporters, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, "With due respect to the honourable judges of the Supreme Court, they do not decide who is a true Indian. It is the job of the opposition leader; it is his duty to ask questions and to challenge the govt". She added, "My brother would never say anything against the Army."