UPDATED: Oct 26, 2026 12:44 IST
A political storm has erupted following Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's controversial remark targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's family during an address in Patna. Addressing the matter, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed shock and hurt, stating that political disagreements and criticism of government policies are part of a vibrant democracy, but targeting the Prime Minister's family reflects ideological bankruptcy and a degradation of political discourse. Criticising the Congress party for defending rather than apologising for the comment, Singh noted that such conduct hurts the sentiments of crores of citizens and violates public decency. Following the remarks, the Bharatiya Janata Party has initiated pan-India agitations across state capitals, with party workers and senior leaders staging demonstrations from Patna and Raipur to Lucknow and Delhi. Demanding an unconditional apology from Congress leadership, BJP workers also planned a march towards Kharge's Delhi residence, intensifying their confrontation ahead of opposition rallies.
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Rahul Gandhi Acquitted in 2018 Defamation Case; Kharge Remark Stirs Fresh Row
A special MP-MLA court in Sultanpur has acquitted Congress leader and Raebareli MP Rahul Gandhi in a 2018 criminal defamation case concerning remarks made against Amit Shah during a Karnataka election rally. The complaint, filed in August 2018 by local Bharatiya Janata Party leader Vijay Mishra, alleged objectionable remarks referring to Shah, who was the party president at the time. Gandhi appeared in person before the court for the verdict pronouncement, after which celebrations erupted with party workers raising slogans and putting up posters. Congress leaders maintained that Gandhi had merely stated public facts. Concurrently, a political controversy erupted over remarks made by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge during a public speech, drawing strong condemnation from BJP leaders including Jagdambika Pal. The court observed that the prosecution failed to substantiate the allegations in the case.
Rahul Gandhi Acquitted In Defamation Case; Congress Slams BJP Over Political Discourse
A court has acquitted Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in a defamation case dating back to remarks made in 2018. Speaking on the development, Congress leader Manickam Tagore termed the case entirely bogus and argued that the judicial outcome defeated repeated conspiracies aimed at silencing opposition leadership. He pointed out that 48 such cases have been filed against Rahul Gandhi across different states, including Gujarat, Bihar, Odisha, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka, alleging a deliberate pattern to drag him through the courts. Tagore also addressed questions regarding language used in political discourse ahead of upcoming Uttar Pradesh elections, asserting that Congress maintains dignified communication while accusing BJP and RSS leaders of using communal rhetoric and double speak.
Rahul Gandhi Acquitted in 2018 Defamation Case Over Remarks Against Amit Shah
In a major legal relief for the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, a Special MP/MLA Court in Sultanpur has acquitted him in a 2018 defamation case over remarks made against Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who was then the BJP president. The case originated from comments made during a rally and press conference in Bengaluru ahead of the Karnataka Assembly elections. The defamation complaint was filed in August 2018 by local BJP leader Vijay Mishra, a former chairperson of the Sultanpur District Cooperative Bank. The verdict brings significant political relief to the Congress party ahead of the Uttar Pradesh elections, as a conviction could have jeopardised Gandhi's electoral future. Congress supporters gathered with celebratory posters outside the court as the defence confirmed the acquittal, noting that the case had been found false. The complainant retains the legal option to challenge the verdict in a higher court.
Fire Breaks Out at North Block in Delhi, Home and Finance Ministry Complex Affected
A fire has been reported at the North Block in New Delhi, a high-security VVIP zone in the national capital located close to India Gate and adjacent to the President's Estate. The North Block houses senior government departments and ministries, including the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Finance. Clarity is awaited regarding the specific department affected as efforts continue to bring the fire under control.