Sonia, Rahul to appear in court today

Congress plans 'show of solidarity' but claims workers will not make 'tamasha'

With Congress president Sonia Gandhi and vice-president Rahul Gandhi to present themselves before the trial court in the National Herald complaint case on Saturday, party workers have been directed not to make a spectacle (tamasha) which could hamper the functioning of the courts.

However, party MPs from both chambers of Parliament have been asked to assemble at the Akbar Road headquarters in the morning, ostensibly to discuss political strategy to be adopted for the remaining few days of the ongoing legislature session. Officially, the party maintains they "will seek all legal remedies” in the case.

While treading cautiously in how the party prepares for the court appearance, the leadership has given a go-ahead to all state units for demonstrations in the respective capitals. The leadership wants a “show of solidarity” message with it to go through. Therefore the presence of MPs in the capital and they being asked not to head home for the weekend.

Insiders say the president has made it clear that she does not want leaders to organise any march which could lead to a law and order problem. Incidentally, Sonia Gandhi had been the one spearheading a march to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s residence when he was issued a summons in connection with the coal allotment scam.

Sources say the Gandhis in all probability will be seeking bail and exemption from future court appearances.

Initially, there had been reports that the party was contemplating a major show of strength on Saturday but it appears they do not want to be seen as heading for a confrontation with the judiciary.

Party spokesperson Randeep Surjewala has said, “We are open to availing all legal remedies and options on the 19th.”

Significantly, the party has gone all out to draw a distinction between its protests in Parliament and the “political vendetta” they have alleged is being perpetrated against the Gandhis. The party has reiterated that the Herald case is a legal fight and the party will fight it in the judicial forum. However, its cry of political vendetta will continue unabated.