Sonia, Rahul stay mum; suspense grows

Keeping alive the suspense over what would be their next move in regard to the Herald case, there are reports that Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi could seek bail when they appear before a magistrate on Saturday. On Friday, however, the Congress insisted that they were open to all legal remedies and options.

“We are open to availing all legal remedies and options including bail,” said party’s chief spokesman Randeep Surjewala.

The Gandhis have been summoned by the trial court on a private criminal complaint of BJP leader Subramanian Swamy of conspiracy, cheating, breach of trust and misappropriation of property.

Surjewala said the Congress leadership does not want the court process to be interfered with or influenced in any manner and so the party has asked workers not to come to the Patiala House courts, where the hearing will take place on Saturday.

Partymen claim that the Congress wants it to be a low key affair. The AICC has dismissed reports that the Congress has called its state leaders to Delhi when the Gandhis will appear before the court.

The party has been maintaining so far that a decision would be taken in accordance with the advice of lawyers.

Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, who is representing the Gandhis, said: “Unnecessary hype over a routine procedure need not be created by the media. We are proceeding in every manner in accordance with law.”