- By Priyanka Koul
- Wed, 21 May 2025 12:13 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Congress party has lodged a police complaint against BJP leader Amit Malviya and a journalist from Republic TV, accusing them of intentionally spreading false information claiming the Congress has an office in Turkey. Their post also reportedly defamed "the constitutional office of the Leader of Opposition" Rahul Gandhi.
According to the Congress Legal Cell, the act was a "malicious attempt" aimed at tarnishing the party’s image, "provoke unrest, undermine national security" and represented a direct threat to democracy. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), the party said, "We will not stay silent," and warned, "Let this be a clear message: Any attempt to spread fake news against our party or its leadership will be met with firm legal and political response."
Under the direction of @IYC In-charge Shri @Allavaru Ji, National President @UdayBhanuIYC Ji, and Our Chairman @RoopeshINC Ji, an FIR has been registered under non-bailable sections against @amitmalviya and Arnab Goswami Editor-in-Chief, @republic for defaming the constitutional… pic.twitter.com/nlTxoPO8RD
— IYC Legal Cell (@IYCLegalCell) May 20, 2025
In the complaint, Congress alleged that both Malviya and the TV journalist circulated a fabricated claim that the Istanbul Congress Center in Turkey is actually the office of the Indian National Congress.
"This act was executed with clear and undeniable criminal intent to deceive the Indian public, defame a major political institution, manipulate nationalist sentiments, incite public unrest, and undermine national security and democratic integrity," the complaint stated.
The duo has been accused of "masterminding a heinous and criminally motivated campaign to disseminate patently false information".
Public sentiment in India has grown increasingly hostile towards Turkey following its open backing of Pakistan during Operation Sindoor.
The backlash has been widespread from cancellation of travel bookings to Indian universities cutting ties with Turkish institutions and businesses terminating contracts with Turkish companies.
The FIR in the case said, "This orchestrated campaign is not a mere ethical lapse but a deliberate criminal conspiracy, executed with premeditation to cause public harm, destabilize the nation, and advance partisan agendas. The accused have abused their positions of influence- Malviya as a key political strategist and Goswami as a prominent media figure-to perpetrate a grave assault on truth, public safety, and national interest."