Assam police file case against Rahul Gandhi over 'Indian state' remark

Guwahati: Police have registered an FIR against the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, in Assam over a remark he made during an event in Delhi.

The case, filed at Pan Bazar Police Station in Guwahati, is registered under sections 152 and 197(1)(d) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertain to actions endangering India’s sovereignty, unity, and integrity, reported IANS.

The complainant, Monjit Chetia, accused Gandhi of exceeding the permissible boundaries of free speech. According to Chetia, Gandhi’s statement posed a threat to public order and national security.

"By declaring that his fight is against the ‘Indian state' itself, the accused has consciously incited subversive activities and rebellion among the populace.

''This is an attempt to delegitimise the authority of the state and to portray it as a hostile force, thereby creating a dangerous narrative that could provoke unrest and separatist sentiments,'' stated Chetia.

Chetia further alleged that Gandhi’s comments reflected his frustration following consecutive electoral defeats. "Having been unable to gain public trust through democratic means, the accused now seeks to incite disaffection against the Central government and the Indian state.

''This is particularly alarming, given his position as the Leader of the Opposition, a role that comes with the responsibility to maintain public confidence in democratic institutions. Instead, the accused has chosen to exploit his platform to spread falsehoods and provoke rebellion, endangering the unity and sovereignty of India," the complaint read.

The controversy stems from Gandhi’s speech during the inauguration of the Congress party's new headquarters in Delhi. In his address, Gandhi sharply criticised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the BJP, accusing them of systematically undermining India’s institutions.

"Do not think we are fighting a fair fight. If you believe this is merely against a political organisation like the BJP or RSS, understand that they have captured almost every institution in our country. We are now up against the Indian state itself," Gandhi said during the event.