Rahul Gandhi presser: 10 things Cong leader said on Adani, PM, disqualification

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday addressed a press conference, the first after his disqualification from the Lok Sabha. On Friday, Gandhi was disqualified as a member of the Lok Sabha, a day after his conviction by the Surat court in the criminal defamation case over his 'Modi surname' remark.

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Here are top quotes from Rahul Gandhi's speech:

1. This is the whole drama that is been orchestrated to defend the Prime Minister from the simple question- Who's ₹20,000 crore went to Adani's shell companies? I am not scared of these threats, disqualifications or prison sentences.

2. I had asked only one question on Adani... I will continue to ask questions and fight for democracy in India.

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3. My speech made in Parliament was expunged, and later I wrote a detailed reply to the Lok Sabha Speaker. Some ministers lied about me, that I sought help from foreign powers. But there is no such thing I have done. I will not stop asking questions, I will keep questioning the relationship between PM Modi and Adani.

4. I have said many times before that democracy is being attacked in the country. We are seeing examples of this each day. I asked questions in the Parliament regarding the relationship between PM Modi and Adani.

5. I am not interested in anything but the truth. I only speak the truth, it is my work and I will keep doing it even if I get disqualified or get arrested.

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6. The Prime Minister is scared of my next speech on Adani, and I have seen it in his eyes. That is why, first the distraction and then the disqualification.

7. Even if they disqualify me permanently, I will keep doing my work. it does not matter if I am inside the Parliament or not. I will keep fighting for the country.

8. My job is to defend the democratic nature of the country which means defending the institutions of the country, defending the voice of the poor people of the country and telling people the truth about people like Adani who are exploiting the relationship they have with the PM.

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9. I gave documents about defence industry, (change of rules in) airports, statements made in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Immediately after that, the BJP started its work. I wrote to speaker with detailed explanation with documents. After that, BJP ministers lied about me in Parliament. The whole game was to distract from real issues, whose money came in Adani group?

10. The panic reaction of Modi will benefit the opposition the most. We will work together.