Congress leader Rahul Gandhi travelled to Uttar Pradesh on Friday. He departed from Lucknow airport for Sultanpur District Court.
Moreover, heavy security surrounded his movement amid growing political attention. Gandhi aimed to record his statement in a defamation case.
The case relates to remarks made about Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Therefore, party leaders accompanied him to ensure smooth proceedings.
Congress Leaders Confirm Scheduled Appearance
Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai confirmed the schedule publicly. He said Gandhi would reach the civil court around 10.50 a.m.
Furthermore, Rai stated that party workers gathered to meet him. Consequently, supporters assembled near the court premises early morning.
सुल्तानपुर पहुंचे राहुल गांधी, MP-MLA कोर्ट में होगी पेशी। pic.twitter.com/VDiCIT3Ucn
— Lutyens Media (@LutyensMediaIN) February 20, 2026
Congress leader Akhilesh Pratap Singh also shared travel details. He said Gandhi would return to Lucknow after the hearing.
After completing proceedings, Gandhi planned to fly back to Delhi.
Background of the Defamation Case
The defamation case dates back to October 2018. Local BJP member Vijay Mishra filed the complaint in Sultanpur.
Mishra alleged that Gandhi made derogatory remarks during a Karnataka campaign. The remarks reportedly targeted Amit Shah, then BJP president.
During the campaign, Gandhi questioned the BJP’s commitment to clean politics. He referred to the party president as an accused in a murder case.
Consequently, Mishra approached the MP-MLA court seeking legal action.
Previous Hearing and Bail
Gandhi did not attend a hearing on January 19. Therefore, the court scheduled February 20 as the next date.
Earlier, in February 2024, the court granted him bail. Consequently, he continues participating in legal proceedings as required.
Political Reactions Intensify
Meanwhile, Union Minister Giriraj Singh criticised Gandhi sharply. “His irresponsible behaviour, anti-India statements, and criticism of India’s development clearly reflect his mindset, that he has developed an anti-India mentality. It is hard to understand whether he stands with India or against it,” said the Union Minister.
VIDEO | Begusarai, Bihar: Union Minister Giriraj Singh (@girirajsinghbjp) on Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s remark on AI Summit, says, “The kind of conduct Rahul Gandhi is displaying — the anti-India statements and criticism of India’s development — clearly reflects his mindset,… pic.twitter.com/04QzvTpG3G
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 20, 2026
Singh questioned Gandhi’s stance regarding national interests publicly. However, Congress leaders maintained focus on the court proceedings.
Security Tightened Around Court
Authorities increased security deployment around the Sultanpur court. Police personnel monitored gatherings of party workers carefully.
Although supporters gathered peacefully, officials ensured strict law and order. Consequently, proceedings continued under tight surveillance.
Rahul Gandhi’s court appearance adds another chapter to ongoing political disputes. However, the legal process will now determine the outcome.
