Rahul Gandhi Faces FIR in Assam Over 'Fight Against Indian State' Comment

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has found himself in legal trouble over a recent statement where he claimed, "BJP and RSS have taken control of every institution, and now we are fighting the BJP, RSS, and the Indian State."
An FIR has been lodged against him at the Pan Bazar police station in Guwahati, Assam. The controversial remarks were made by Gandhi during the inauguration of the Congress party's new headquarters in Delhi on January 15, 2025.
In his speech, he asserted, "This is not a fair fight. If you think we are only fighting against the BJP or the RSS as political organizations, you have misunderstood the situation. The BJP and RSS have taken over every institution in our country. Now, we are fighting against the BJP, RSS, and the Indian State."
FIR and Allegations Against Gandhi
Following his statement, an FIR was filed under sections 152 and 197(1)D of the Indian Penal Code, which pertain to acts that jeopardize the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India. These charges are cognizable and non-bailable. The complaint, filed by Monjit Chhetiya, alleges that Gandhi's remarks went beyond the limits of freedom of expression and posed a serious threat to public order and national security.
Chhetiya’s complaint asserts, "By declaring that his fight is against the 'Indian State,' the accused has deliberately incited destructive activities and rebellion among the public. This is an attempt to delegitimize the state’s authority and paint it as an adversary, which could fuel a dangerous narrative that may provoke unrest and separatist sentiments."
Chhetiya's Arguments and Concerns
Chhetiya further contended that Gandhi's remarks appeared to be motivated by his frustration over repeated electoral losses. He argued that as Leader of Opposition, it was Gandhi's responsibility to uphold public trust in democratic institutions, but instead, Gandhi chose to spread falsehoods and incite rebellion, thereby putting India's unity and sovereignty at risk.
The complaint also stressed that Gandhi’s comments were not just politically charged, but had the potential to destabilize the nation by encouraging divisive and anti-national ideologies.
Chhetiya called for immediate legal action under section 152 of the Indian Penal Code, considering the gravity of the situation.
Rahul Gandhi's Statement and Backlash
During his address at the Congress headquarters, Gandhi had questioned the transparency of the election process, asserting that his battle was not only against the BJP and RSS but also against the Indian State itself. He said, "Don’t think we are fighting a fair fight. There is no fairness in this. If you believe we are only fighting against the BJP or RSS, then you haven’t understood what is happening. The BJP and RSS have taken control of every institution in our country. Now, we are fighting against the BJP, RSS, and the Indian State."
His statement has sparked a political storm, with his critics accusing him of undermining democratic institutions and questioning the integrity of the Indian state. The FIR is likely to escalate the controversy further, drawing attention to the increasing polarization in the political landscape.
Legal and Political Fallout
As the FIR draws attention to Gandhi's remarks, political analysts suggest that the Congress leader’s statement could lead to further legal challenges. Some have called it an irresponsible attempt to delegitimize key national institutions, while others see it as part of a larger narrative that challenges the current ruling party’s control over democratic processes.
The ongoing debate reflects the growing tension between the opposition and the ruling BJP, as well as the contentious nature of political discourse in India today. With the FIR now in place, it remains to be seen how the legal process will unfold and whether Gandhi will face further legal consequences for his words.