FIR Filed Against Rahul Gandhi Over ‘Fighting Indian State’ Remark

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has found himself in legal trouble after his controversial statement claiming that the BJP and RSS have “captured every single institution” and that the Congress is “fighting the BJP, the RSS, and the Indian state itself.” The remarks, made on January 15, 2025, during the inauguration of the Congress party’s new headquarters in Delhi, have led to an FIR being filed against him in Guwahati’s Pan Bazar police station.

The FIR was filed under Sections 152 and 197(1)d of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertain to acts endangering India’s sovereignty and integrity—a non-bailable and cognizable offense. The complainant, Monjit Chetia, accused Rahul Gandhi of exceeding the limits of permissible free speech and endangering public order and national security.

ALSO READ | Ceasefire to End 15-Month Gaza War Delayed Amid Netanyahu’s Demand for Hostage List

Chetia alleged that Gandhi’s statements were an attempt to delegitimize the Indian State, potentially inciting unrest and fostering separatist sentiments. He argued that the Congress leader’s words could provoke rebellion, threatening the unity and stability of the nation.

The complainant claimed that Rahul Gandhi’s remarks stemmed from frustration over the Congress party’s repeated electoral defeats. According to the FIR, Gandhi was accused of:

• Spreading falsehoods against the central government.
• Encouraging rebellion among the public.
• Undermining public trust in democratic institutions.

Chetia further argued that as a leader of the opposition, Gandhi’s responsibility is to uphold public confidence in democratic systems. However, he accused the Congress leader of using his platform to jeopardize national unity.

This FIR has sparked widespread political debate, with supporters and critics weighing in on the implications of Gandhi’s remarks. While Congress has defended their leader, terming the charges baseless, opposition voices argue that such statements could potentially incite unrest.

The FIR against Rahul Gandhi highlights the delicate balance between free speech and maintaining national unity. As legal proceedings unfold, the controversy is expected to fuel further political discourse about the boundaries of opposition rhetoric and accountability.