Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

2-minute read
26 March 2023 |23:00 CAT

Image: The Indian Express

The former leader of India’s main Opposition party has been disqualified as a lawmaker, a day after he was handed a two-year jail sentence for defamation, in a ruling his supporters say is politically motivated.

It is the second setback for India’s opposition Congress party in many days. It could neuter one of the few figures with the kind of star power and name recognition to challenge Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, the Editor of Hardnews magazine, Sanjay Kapoor, said Mr Ghandi was trying to win back the support and headed a 4000km march which he undertook from the South of India to the North. He received tremendous support and was perceived far more favourably than now.

Under Indian law, a member of parliament can be disqualified for offences such as promoting enmity between two groups, bribery and undue influence or personation at an election.

Gandhi will be unable to contest future elections following his disqualification unless his sentence is either stayed or he is acquitted.

Meanwhile, Indian parties from across the political spectrum have condemned Gandhi’s disqualification as an MP.

Gandhi stood against Modi to contest the country’s top seat in the 2019 general election but lost heavily.

He subsequently stepped down as Congress’ president but remained influential in the party.