Congress troubleshoots after Digvijaya Singh’s ‘thank you, Germany’ tweet

Digvijaya Singh has been facing massive flak from the BJP over his tweet thanking Germany “for taking note of how democracy is being compromised in India through persecution of Rahul Gandhi”.

Congress leader Digvijaya Singh (File)

By India Today News Desk: Hours after former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh thanked Germany “for taking note of how democracy is being compromised in India through persecution of Rahul Gandhi”, the Congress distanced itself from the controversy.

Singh has been facing massive flak from BJP leaders and union ministers, who called his tweet an open attempt to invite foreign powers to interfere in India’s internal matters.

India’s political problems should be solved from within, the Congress’s communications in-charge, Jairam Ramesh, said, amid attacks by the BJP.

“Congress firmly believes that India’s democratic processes themselves have to deal with the threats posed to our democracy by Mr Modi’s assault on our institutions and his politics of vendetta, intimidation, threats and harassment. Congress and opposition parties will take him on fearlessly,” Ramesh tweeted. However, he didn’t mention his colleague’s tweet that triggered the controversy.

Also Read | Rahul Gandhi in position to appeal disqualification verdict, says Germany’s foreign ministry

The grand old party rubbished the BJP’s claims of ‘foreign interference in domestic affairs’ and challenged the saffron party to produce evidence of their allegations. Rahul Gandhi only spoke about the situation in India during his engagements abroad and did not ask for help, Congress said.

Earlier this morning, Digvijaya Singh provoked a massive political whirlpool with his “thank you, Germany” tweet. Singh wrote: “Thank you Germany Foreign Affairs Ministry and Richard Walker for taking note of how democracy is being compromised in India through persecution of Rahul Gandhi.”

This came hours after Germany said it had taken note of the verdict against Rahul Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi is in a position to appeal the verdict, Germany’s foreign ministry said, adding, fundamental democratic principles should be applied in the case of the Congress leader.

Rahul Gandhi was disqualified as a Lok Sabha MP following his conviction in a 2019 criminal defamation case over his ‘Modi surname’ remark. “How come all the thieves have Modi as their surname?” Gandhi had asked during a rally four years back.

Also Read | Germany’s remarks on Rahul Gandhi: BJP leaders accuse Congress of seeking ‘foreign interference’

BJP ATTACKS CONGRESS OVER ‘FOREIGN INTERVENTION’

Union ministers Kiren Rijiju and Anurag Thakur criticized Rahul Gandhi in tweets, accusing him of seeking foreign intervention in domestic affairs of the country.

“Thank you Rahul Gandhi for inviting foreign powers for interference into India’s internal matters. Remember, Indian judiciary can’t be influenced by foreign interference. India won’t tolerate foreign influence anymore because our Prime Minister is Narendra Modi ji,” Rijiju tweeted.

The criminal defamation case against Rahul Gandhi was filed by Gujarat BJP leader Purnesh Modi.

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