BJP leader Subramanian Swamy has taken legal action by approaching the Delhi High Court on Friday, requesting the court to direct the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to address his long-standing concerns regarding the citizenship of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
In his petition, Swamy has urged the MHA to either decide on or provide a status update regarding his representation which calls for the cancellation of Gandhi’s Indian citizenship. This plea, lodged by advocate Satya Sabharwal on behalf of Swamy, points to allegations against Gandhi of wrongly claiming British nationality in communications with the UK government, a claim that, if true, could potentially violate Indian citizenship laws under Article 9 of the Constitution and the Indian Citizenship Act.
The dispute stems from a representation made by Swamy to the MHA on August 6, 2019, where he accused Gandhi of voluntarily disclosing British citizenship to the British government, which could imply possession of a British passport. This representation has remained unanswered, prompting Swamy to seek judicial intervention.Swamy’s plea highlights a potential constitutional crisis, as Gandhi currently serves as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. The implications of such accusations are significant, potentially impacting Gandhi’s political career and eligibility to hold office if found true.
The petition is expected to be listed for a hearing next week, where the court will consider the request for a directive to the MHA. This case adds another layer to the already complex political rivalry between the BJP and Congress, with citizenship and allegiance at the heart of this legal battle.
