'Highly Deplorable & Unprecedented': Stalin Extends Support To Rahul After His Conviction In 'Modi Surname' Case

BJP's targeting of opposition parties has now landed in the trampling of democratic rights, CM Stalin said.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said that he is confident that justice will win ultimately (File Photo)

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin extended support to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi after the Wayanad leader was convicted in Modi surname case on Thursday. The Surat Court convicted Rahul Gandhi of two years imprisonment for allegedly defaming the surname of Modi during Karnataka Elections in 2019. 

On the verdict, MK Stalin said, “It's highly deplorable & unprecedented that a leader like Thiru @RahulGandhi is convicted for a comment which he himself said was not made with a blameworthy mind.” 

It's highly deplorable & unprecedented that a leader like Thiru @RahulGandhi is convicted for a comment which he himself said it was not made with blameworthy mind. (1/2)

— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) March 23, 2023

MK Stalin said: "BJP's targeting of opposition parties has now landed in the trampling of democratic rights and such atrocities will see its end. I spoke with brother #RahulGandhi and conveyed my solidarity. I'm confident that justice will win ultimately!"

The case heard by the Surat Court on Thursday pertains to a statement made by Rahul in 2019. During Karnataka Assembly Elections, Rahul Gandhi said, "Why do all the thieves have Modi as their names. Whether it is Nirav Modi or Lalit Modi or Narendra Modi."

After the statement, Purnesh Modi, a BJP MLA from Gujarat, filed a criminal defamation case against Rahul Gandhi. 

The court convicted Rahul under Section 504 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) of the IPC.

Meanwhile, Congress workers gathered in front of Rahul Gandhi's residence to stage a protest against the verdict. In Chennai, Congress legislators blocked the road near against Secretariat against the verdict. Later, the leaders dispersed from the spot to attend the assembly proceedings. 

Another section of leaders including AK Gopanna staged a protest near party HQ Sathyamurthy Bhavan in Chennai.