New Delhi: The Congress party today claimed a major victory over its political opponents, the ruling BJP government, after the Patiala House Court granted bail to Congress president Sonia Gandhi and party vice president Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case.
The court also rejected complainant Subramanian Swamy's opposition to relief for them on the ground they are influential and can flee the country.
"The accused are reputed persons having deep political grassroots and there is no apprehension that they will flee," the Magistrate noted while granting them bail on furnishing personal bond of Rs.50,000 each and one surety.
On the back of the court relief in the National Herald case, the Congress party today sought to utilise the opportunity to step up its attack on the Prime Minister and the ruling BJP dispensation, which it has repeatedly accused of indulging in vendetta politics.
"These people (Centre) can never remove us from our path. The current government is purposely targeting opponents and misusing government agencies. But we are not going to be scared. Our struggle will continue in line with the principles of the Congress party," Sonia Gandhi said addressing the media at the party headquarters after the hearing.
Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi also minced no words in targeting PM Narendra Modi. "I respect the law. Modi ji puts false allegations and thinks the opposition will bend. I want to tell every citizen that we will not be scared, we will not bend. We will not move an inch," he said, adding that the party will continue to play its role as the Opposition and that its fight for the poor and downtrodden of the country will not end.
Three others including Motilal Vora, Oscar Fernandes and Suman Dubey have also been granted bail. While A K Antony filed the surety for Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi filed it for Rahul.
"One application was moved on behalf of all accused. Court was kind enough to grant bail and put no condition except for surety. Dr Swamy argued to put conditions on bail but judge didn't agree," senior Congress leader and counsel for the Gandhis in the case Kapil Sibal told reporters outside the court complex after the hearing.
Sonia and Rahul were summoned by the trial court on a private criminal complaint of Subramanian Swamy for conspiracy, cheating, breach of trust and misappropriation of property.
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