Responding to the Gujarat court's decision on Rahul Gandhi's conviction in a criminal defamation case, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said, "we respect the court, but do not agree with the verdict'.

In a tweet he said, "There is a conspiracy to eliminate non-BJP leaders and parties by prosecuting them. We have differences with the Congress, but it is not right to implicate Rahul Gandhi in a defamation case like this. It is the job of the public and the opposition to ask questions. We respect the court but disagree with the decision".

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said in a tweet, "This is the new India. If you raise your voice against injustice, then ED-CBI, Police, FIR will be imposed on everyone."

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind KejriwalIANS

"Rahul Gandhi ji is also being punished for speaking the truth, for raising his voice against the dictator. The law of the country gives an opportunity to appeal to Rahul Gandhi, he will exercise this right. We are not afraid," he added in the same tweet.

The Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate H.H. Varma sentenced him to two years in jail and also imposed a fine of Rs 15,000 after finding him guilty; however, on Rahul Gandhi's plea, his sentence has been suspended and bail has been granted to enable him to move an appeal against his conviction within 30 days.

London: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in conversation with the Indian Journalists' Association, in London
London: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in conversation with the Indian Journalists' Association, in LondonIANS

The lawyer representing Rahul Gandhi said that they will move to session court soon.

Gandhi has maintained that there was no mala fide intention on his part when he made the statement in question.

(With inputs from IANS)

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