There are several key developments in the ongoing affair involving Rahul Gandhi, a top leader of the Congress party in India. Despite recent court sentences and ineligibility for parliament, many observers are questioning whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi is afraid of Rahul. However, it is not Rahul himself that Modi fears, but the key evidence that Rahul possesses.
Currently, both Houses of Parliament are ending without any discussion, as the ruling party and opposition continue to protest and shout slogans. The government's strategy is clear, according to observers, as the BJP and its allies are demanding that Rahul apologize for defaming India while in London, and that he not be allowed to attend the assembly.
Meanwhile, the opposition is demanding that the Adani-Hindenburg dispute be discussed. Rahul has already written a letter to the Speaker claiming to possess evidence of Benami transactions between Adani and Modi. Analysts suggest that Modi is now afraid of the truth of this evidence, as the Speaker has the power to take action against any member of Parliament if the evidence is found to be false.
This could lead to disqualification of the member based on the Representation of the People Act. The BJP's strategy to bring up London's comments was likely an attempt to avoid discussing these issues and deflect attention away from Modi. It remains to be seen how the Congress and its allies will respond to the ruling party's strategy. During the UPA II tenure, the 2G spectrum allocation scam hogged limelight and scripted the downfall of Congress-led government and now many feel that a similar moment has arrived for the Modi government.
