Congress to move court to quash FIR against Rahul Gandhi: Sibal

Lucknow - Union Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal on Tuesday said the Congress party would approach the court for quashing a police complaint against Rahul Gandhi for violating  the Model Code of Conduct during a road show in Kanpur.

"The district administration had given permission for the road show on February 17 but had withdrawn it at the last minute on the night of February 19 when all the arrangements had been  made," Sibal told media in Lucknow.

"Everybody knew about Shivratri. If the district administration was so concerned, it should have acted on time," he added.

Congress leader Digvijay Singh said action was taken on the direction of the Mayawati Government, as they are scared of the successful campaign by Rahul Gandhi.

He also denied any violation of the Election Model Code of Conduct during Gandhi's road show in Kanpur.

"Road shows are a means to connect with the people and the Kanpur administration was aware of this event since February 17. We informed them about the road show and did not intend to  seek permission, as it was not needed since it was not a procession or public meeting," he said.

"So, only an informative message was sent to them. We received no hindrance regarding the event since the evening of February 17th till the night of February 19. The Superintendent of  Police and the rest of the administration helped us in deciding the route and gave permission for it, after which our programme was formed," he added.

On Monday, Kanpur District Magistrate Hari Om said that a case has been filed against Rahul Gandhi and city Congress chief Mahesh Dikshit under Section 188 of the IPC for violating  prohibitory orders (Section 144) imposed in the city and under Sections 283 (danger or obstruction in public way) and 290 (public nuisance).

"The permission for the road show as requested by the Congress party was denied. They were allowed to do the road show on an alternate route, which they violated, and hence we have  filed an FIR against the organiser and Rahul Gandhi at the cantonment police station," Hari Om added.