On Friday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is set to make a court appearance in Bengaluru, responding to a defamation case filed against him by Karnataka BJP MLC Keshav Prasad.
The case revolves around allegations of propaganda and false accusations against the previous BJP government in Karnataka.
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar confirmed that Rahul Gandhi will be present before the Special MP/MLA court at 10:30 AM accompanied by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Shivakumar urged party supporters to refrain from displaying party symbols or raising slogans against the BJP within the court premises.
The defamation suit lodged by Prasad contends that Congress engaged in a misinformation campaign by publishing full-page advertisements accusing the former BJP administration of imposing a 40 percent commission for securing government projects.
Prasad argues that during the Assembly elections, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar made unfounded claims to mislead the public and should face legal repercussions under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code.
Earlier, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar appeared in court on June 1 and secured bail.
However, Rahul Gandhi, also implicated in the case, failed to attend despite giving assurance.
Counsel for the BJP leader petitioned for a non-bailable arrest warrant against Gandhi.
After his court appearance, Rahul Gandhi will convene a discussion with both the recently-elected Congress MPs from Karnataka and those who were unsuccessful in their electoral bids. He will actively engage in the discussion with both groups.
This meeting will take place at the ‘Bharat Jodo Bhavan’ later in the day.
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