Congress leader attends final hearing opportunity in 2018 defamation case
February 20, 2026: Rahul Gandhi appeared before the MP-MLA Court in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, on Friday in connection with a 2018 defamation case. The complaint was filed by BJP leader Vijay Mishra over an alleged remark made by Gandhi against Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The court had earlier granted multiple opportunities for his appearance and termed the present hearing as the “final opportunity” for recording his statement.
The development has attracted considerable political attention in the state. Gandhi received a grand welcome from party workers upon his arrival at Lucknow airport before travelling by road to Sultanpur for the proceedings. Congress leaders and supporters accompanied him to the court premises.
Party representatives are expected to outline their position as the matter progresses. Live updates from outside the courtroom are being closely monitored amid heightened political interest surrounding the case.