In a notable development, a Bengaluru court has mandated Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to appear in person on June 7, in connection with a defamation case lodged by BJP leader Keshav Prasad. The case pertains to alleged defamatory advertisements and slogans by the Congress party, which accused the BJP of demanding exorbitant bribes during their tenure.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, also implicated in the case, have been granted bail upon furnishing bonds of Rs. 5,000 each. While Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar attended the court session, Gandhi’s absence was noted due to his involvement in an INDIA alliance meeting.
The defamation case centers on Congress party’s claims that the BJP, while in power, extorted up to 40% commission from contractors for public works. This allegation has sparked significant legal contention, leading to the court’s directive for Gandhi’s compulsory appearance.
