National

Rahul Gandhi Vacates Official Delhi Bungalow, Congress Leaders React

April 22, 2023
Bharat Times English News

New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who was disqualified as MP after conviction in ‘Modi surname’ defamation case, vacated his 12, Tughlaq Lane bungalow on Saturday, reported news agency ANI. News agency PTI quoted sources as saying that Gandhi was scheduled to hand over the keys of the official bungalow to the Lok Sabha Secretariat today. In a video shared by the official Twitter handle of ANI, a truck with Rahul’s belongings can be seen leaving his residence. The former Congress president had taken out all his belongings from his official residence on Friday itself. The former Congress president was asked to vacate the premises by April 22 following his conviction by a Surat court for his “Modi surname” remark and his disqualification following a two-year sentence. The former Congress chief had shifted his office and some personal belongings from the bungalow to the official residence of his mother Sonia Gandhi on April 14. He has been living in the bungalow for nearly two decades. Sources said that after changing his office, he started living with his mother and Congress Parliamentary Party President Sonia Gandhi at her 10, Janpath residence.

A court in Surat convicted Gandhi of defamation on March 23 and sentenced him to two years’ imprisonment, leading to his disqualification. He challenged the magisterial court order in the Surat sessions court, which had rejected his appeal to set aside the sentence, which would have paved the way for his reinstatement as an MP.

The party has said that the sessions court’s order will be challenged in the Gujarat High Court next week. A day after his disqualification, the Lok Sabha Secretariat sent a notice to Gandhi to vacate the premises by 22 April. Sources said that Rahul Gandhi is looking for a place to set up his independent office.

A few years ago, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was also asked to vacate her Lodhi Estate bungalow after her SPG security cover was withdrawn. Rahul Gandhi was first elected as an MP from Amethi in Uttar Pradesh in 2004 and shifted his constituency to Wayanad in 2019.

Reactions are coming from Congress leaders


Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said on Twitter, “Rahul Gandhi vacated his Tughlaq Lane house today in response to Lok Sabha Secretariat’s order. Court gave him 30 days to appeal and HC or SC yet to reinstate him.” Can, but his exemplary gesture is to move.” out shows his respect for the rules.”

Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal also reacted to Rahul’s departure from 12, Tughlaq Lane. Taking to Twitter, he said, “In response to the Lok Sabha Secretariat’s order today, Rahul Gandhi vacated his Tughlaq Lane residence.” respect for the rules. ,

“A house is not made of four walls and a cement roof. Home is a feeling – of peace, of peace, of love. And when millions of people open the doors of their hearts and homes to you, what is the point! Rahul ji vacated his official residence today – his goal and destination is much higher than a house, much higher. No one can intimidate, no one can silence this Satyagrahi of truth because he is ready to pay any price. #MeraGharAapkaGhar A small proof of this country’s love for you Rahul ji,” party spokesperson Supriya Shrinate tweeted after Rahul’s bungalow was vacated.