No question of apology by Rahul over remarks on RSS: Congress
19 July, New Delhi
While declining to comment on the Supreme Court observation that Congress Vice- President Rahul Gandhi, who blamed RSS for the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, would have to face trial in the defamation case against him if he does not express regret, the party, however,Tuesday said there was no question of an apology.
While declining to comment on the apex court observation, the party said, ”it will present historical evidence and documents that support Gandhi’s claim.” “On a suggestion of Mr Gandhi expressing regret or apology, the question does not arise. Such a suggestion has been made in the past and not accepted by Gandhi.
” Gandhi is a mature politician with intimate knowledge of historical facts. Congress Party and Mr Gandhi will defend these remarks at appropriate forum,” AICC media incharge Randeep Surjewala said.
Expressing a similar view, AICC spokesperson Gaurav Gogoi, addressing reporters here, said,”there is a case which is undergoing in the Supreme Court and the final judgement is yet to be heard and the case is also yet to be heard on its full merits.”
Today, the Supreme Court has made some observations. We would not like to comment on the observations. Nonetheless, we are confident that when the case would be heard on its merits, we will present historical evidence and documents that support Mr Gandhi’s claim. We respect the Supreme Court.”He said the Congress vice-president would not tender an apology.
“Rahul Gandhi has said that he will not seek an apology over what he has said and will fight the case as he wants to present his facts along with historical proof and evidence to prove his point and help bring out the truth before everyone that we all know.
”At this point, Congress party stands with Gandhi and we are confident that we will be able to present a strong case, present all the facts and historical evidence,” Gogoi said.
Hearing a defamation case against Gandhi, who blamed RSS for the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, the Supreme Court today observed that Gandhi, should not have resorted to “collective denunciation” of an organisation and will have to face trial in the defamation case against him if he does not express regret.
“We have held it may be historically correct but the fact or the statement has to meet the test of public good. You can’t make collective denunciation,” the court said.