National Herald case: Combative Rahul Gandhi hits back at govt, says 'will not back off even an inch'

Delhi: Hitting out at the government over the National Herald case, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi said on Tuesday that he would not back off even an inch.

“Let them (government) do what they want. I will do what I want, I will not back off even an inch,” Rahul said, as per ANI.

Earlier also, Rahul had accused the government of political vendetta.

Also Read - National Herald case: Sonia, Rahul Gandhi asked to appear in court on Dec 19

“I absolutely see a political vendetta. This is the way Central government functions,” Rahul had said.

"Centre thinks they can stop me from asking questions about them by vendetta politics. That is not going to happen," the Congress VP had added, as per PTI.

Meanwhile, Congress president Sonia Gandhi, her son Rahul and others were today directed to appear in person on December 19 by a Delhi court which allowed their plea seeking exemption from personal appearance for the day in the National Herald case.

Also Read - National Herald case: Not scared, I am Indira Gandhi's daughter-in-law, says Sonia Gandhi

Senior advocates Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Harin Raval and Ramesh Gupta appeared for the Gandhis and other accused and moved separate pleas seeking exemption from personal apperance for their clients for today only.

"We are very keen to come before the court," Singhvi told Metropolitan Magistrate Lovleen, adding, "Please give us a date of your choice and that of the convenience of Dr Subramanian Swamy," as per PTI.

Swamy, who has filed the case, however, told the court that there are seven accused in the case and today's date was fixed in September itself.

Also Read - National Herald case: No political vendetta, Congress leaders should face court, says Jaitley

"Accused number 2 (Rahul Gandhi) has left for Chennai this morning," he said.

The magistrate, however, told the defence counsel to ensure that all the accused appear before the court on the next date of hearing on December 19.

"Make sure that all the accused appear on December 19. I am giving exemption from personal appearance only for today. Don't come in the morning on December 19. You come at 3 PM," the magistrate said.

Also Read - Combative Congress disrupts Parliament over National Herald case

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(With Agency inputs)