Maharashtra Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) applaud Rahul Gandhi's reinstatement as Lok Sabha MP

Rahul Gandhi during the Bharat Jodo Yatra. File photo/AFP

The Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly, Vijay Wadettiwar, commended the reinstatement of Rahul Gandhi as a member of the Lok Sabha, asserting that this move has fortified the opposition bloc INDIA.

Arwind Sawant, a Lok Sabha representative from Shiv Sena (UBT), also extended a warm welcome to Gandhi's return to the Lower House of Parliament.

A notification issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat confirmed the revocation of Rahul Gandhi's disqualification and the restoration of his membership. Gandhi had been disqualified as a Lok Sabha member on March 23 following a conviction in a defamation case by a Gujarat court, which led to a two-year jail sentence. Any punishment exceeding two years automatically results in the disqualification of a lawmaker. However, the Supreme Court's recent decision to stay his conviction has paved the way for the reinstatement of his Lok Sabha membership.

Also read: Rahul Gandhi's disqualification as Lok Sabha member revoked

Representing Wayanad in the Lower House, Gandhi's comeback has raised expectations that he will continue to advocate for the welfare of the common man. "The Union government was apprehensive that Rahul Gandhi would expose its unethical practices. Gandhi will persistently advocate for the interests of the common man within the Lok Sabha," affirmed Congress leader Wadettiwar during a press briefing. He pointed out that Gandhi had previously addressed concerns about the Rafale jet deal and the Adani Group within the Lok Sabha.

Gandhi's consistent critique of the Union government's decisions demonstrates his commitment to speaking out against perceived wrongdoings. "His reentry into the Lok Sabha has further fortified the opposition bloc in INDIA," Wadettiwar noted.

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Speaking to the press, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sawant voiced concerns about the nation's freedom being under threat. He embraced Gandhi's reinstatement, considering the Supreme Court's decision as a resounding rebuke to the government's purported conspiracies. Sawant also urged an inquiry into the collapse of a bridge in Morbi, Gujarat, prior to the state elections, emphasizing that accountability must be established for the loss of lives. (With inputs from PTI)