Respect for law, we are watching says US on Rahul Gandhi case

The United States has said that respect for rule of law and judicial independence is a cornerstone of any democracy.

The US was referring to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi who was convicted and subsequently disqualified as a member of the Parliament in a defamation case over his 'Modi surname' remark.

Vedant Patel, US Department of State's principal deputy spokesperson was quoted by news agency ANI as saying, " we are watching Mr Gandhi's case in Indian courts and engage with the government of India on our shared commitment to democratic values including of course, freedom of expression. In our engagements with our Indian partners, we continue to highlight the importance of democratic principles and the protection of human rights and freedom of expression as key to strengthening both our democracies."

Rahul Gandhi was disqualified as Member of Parliament from Kerala's Wayanad, following his conviction in a defamation case. There has been a massive political showdown between the Opposition and the Narendra Modi government since the conviction.

Patel, when asked if the US is engaging with India or Rahul Gandhi said, "I don't have any specific engagements to read out, but as I am sure you know some of these covered this department for some time it is normal and standard for us to engage with members of opposition parties in any country where we have bilateral relationships but I don't have any specific engagement to read out."

Rahul Gandhi said at a press conference on Saturday that he had asked only one question on Adani. "I will continue to ask questions and fight for democracy in India," he also said.

"I will keep doing my work even if I am disqualified permanently. It does not matter if I am inside Parliament or not. I will keep fighting for the country," he also said.

Gandhi was asked to vacate his official residence by April 2 by the Lok Sabha secretariat in the event of his disqualification.