Congress sues BJP's Amit Malviya, a senior journalist over 'Turkey office' claim

BJP IT Cell head Malviya and Republic TV editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami have been accused of spreading disinformation about Congress having an office in Turkey.

The Congress' legal cell has put up an X post that reads, "Under the direction of @IY  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 office of the Leader of Opposition, Shri @RahulGandhi ji.

"This malicious attempt to malign @INC, provoke unrest, and undermine national security is a direct attack on democracy. We will not stay silent.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."

In its complaint, the primary opposition party wrote, "The accused have maliciously propagated the fabricated claim that the Istanbul Congress Center in Türkiye is the office of the Indian National Congress (INC).

"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. Context and Criminal Intent."

"The actions of Mr. Malviya and Mr. Goswami are set against the volatile backdrop of strained India-Türkiye relations, driven by Türkiye’s perceived support for Pakistan, a nation widely regarded as India’s adversary.

"Indian citizens, in a display of patriotic protest, have initiated a widespread boycott of Turkish tourism, products, and economic engagements."

The Congress has been accused of having an office in Turkey at a time a strong anti-Turkish sentiment prevailing in India in the backdrop of Ankara's support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor.

Turkey, which was supported by India during an earthquake in 2023, criticised India's strike at terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan through Operation Sindoor, which was launched by the Indian Armed Forces to avenge the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

Pakistan also unsuccessfully used Turkish drones to target India which excelled relying largely on Indian-made weapons.

Prioritising the country's interest, several traders have boycotted products from Turkey.

Several travel companies have cancelled bookings to the Middle East nation, which is one of the highly ranked travel destinations.

Multiple vendors in Uttar Pradesh have pledged to sever all business ties with Turkey.