US watching Rahul Gandhi’s case in Indian courts, says official

“Respect for the rule of law and judicial independence is a cornerstone of any democracy, and we’re watching Mr. Gandhi’s case in Indian courts, and we engage with the Government of India on our shared commitment to democratic values – including, of course, freedom of expression,” Patel said.

“In our engagements with our Indian partners, we continue to highlight the importance of democratic principles and the protection of human rights, including freedom of expression, as a key to strengthening both our democracies,” he added.

Following this, Patel was asked if the US is still engaging with Gandhi as the opposition leader. “It is normal and standard for us to engage with members of opposition parties in any country where we have bilateral relationships,” replied Patel.

On March 23, a Surat court found Gandhi guilty in a 2019 criminal defamation case, and sentenced him to two years in jail. The Congress leader is currently on bail. The case was filed following Gandhi’s “why all thieves have Modi surname” remark, made during a campaign rally in Karnataka. A day later, he was disqualified from the Lok Sabha from the date of his conviction in the case.

Opposition parties in India stepped up their offensive against the Narendra Modi government and observed a “black day for democracy” on Monday, three days after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was disqualified from the Lok Sabha.

The BJP condemned the ruckus created by the Opposition in Parliament and accused the Congress of resorting to “low-level politics” in its bid to justify Gandhi’s remarks against the OBC community.

Here’s the readout of the relevant exchange during the press briefing in Washington.

QUESTION: Just in terms of other democracies invited to the summit, India. Rahul Gandhi, the opposition leader, has been expelled from parliament. Do you have anything to say about that? Is that consistent with democratic values?

MR PATEL: Thanks for your question, Shaun. So respect for the rule of law and judicial independence is a cornerstone of any democracy, and we’re watching Mr. Gandhi’s case in Indian courts, and we engage with the Government of India on our shared commitment to democratic values – including, of course, freedom of expression.

In our engagements with our Indian partners, we continue to highlight the importance of democratic principles and the protection of human rights, including freedom of expression, as a key to strengthening both our democracies.

QUESTION: Can I just follow up briefly?

MR PATEL: Sure.

QUESTION: You just said engaging with the Government of India. How about with Mr. Gandhi himself? Is the United States still engaging with him as the opposition leader?

MR PATEL: I don’t have any specific engagements to read out, Shaun. But as I’m sure you know as someone who’s covered this department for some time, it is normal and standard for us to engage with members of opposition parties in any country where we have bilateral relationships. But I don’t have any specific engagement to read out.

(A while later)

QUESTION: Sir, one last question about the largest democracy in the world, India. Indian officials disqualified leader of Congress Party, Mr. Rahul Gandhi, from his seat in the parliament for calling Modi – for calling Modi a thief. He was also sentenced to two years in prison for the same reason. Sir, what are your comments on this specific issue and about the freedom of speech in India?

MR PATEL: I’m not sure if you were late to the briefing or not, but Shaun already asked the question about Mr. Gandhi’s case, so you can check the transcript for that.

(With inputs from PTI)