Wayanad Congress Committee to observe a black day on Saturday due to the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi from Lok Sabha. The Congress leader was disqualified by Lok Sabha Secretariat after the Surat Court convicted him in criminal defamation case over his remark on 'Modi Surname' on Thursday.
According to ANI, ND Appachan, President of the District Congress Committee, Wayanad said, "As part of the protest against the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi from Loksabha, Wayanad District Congress Committee to observe 'Black Day' today (Saturday)."
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Congress said that they will fight the battle legally and politically. In a tweet, Congress communications in-charge Jairam Ramesh said, "We will fight this battle both legally and politically. We will not be intimidated or silenced. Instead of a JPC into the PM-linked Adani MahaMegaScam, Rahul Gandhi stands disqualified. Indian Democracy Om Shanti."
If the court does not overturn the conviction or a higher court reduces the quantum of sentence, Rahul Gandhi cannot contest in elections for the next eight years as per law.
As a result, Congress workers across the country are also staging protests against the verdict and disqualification of Rahul Gandhi from Lok Sabha. After the disqualification, the Wayanad seat which was held by Congress was also declared vacant.
The Lok Sabha website shows three seats including Jalandhar, Lakshadweep and Wayanad as vacant.
Jalandhar seat was declared vacant after the death of Congress member Santokh Singh Chaudhary and Lakshadweep became vacant after the disqualification of NCP member Mohammed Faizal P. The NCP member was disqualified after his conviction in an attempt to murder case.