Guwahati, Feb 20, 2026: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday defended her brother, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, in the wake of a 2018 defamation case. Speaking at the Assam Congress headquarters in Guwahati, she described the “highest number of cases” against him as a “badge of honour” in today’s political climate.

Vadra said that facing multiple cases and agency probes indicates being on the “right track.” “This is the kind of politics where false cases are filed and people are exploited. We have been tolerating this for many years,” she said, referring to Rahul Gandhi’s court appearance.

Rahul Gandhi appeared before an MP-MLA court in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, on Thursday, recording his statement in the defamation case. The case arose from alleged derogatory remarks against then-BJP president Amit Shah during the 2018 Karnataka elections. The complaint was filed by local BJP leader Vijay Mishra.

Vadra added, “Those who stand for truth, development, and the people, and want positive politics, will face the most attacks by the government. The highest number of cases, ED and IT raids will take place against that person. It is a badge of honour that we are on the right track, and that is why we are being attacked.”

The court has scheduled the next hearing for March 9, when the Raebareli MP is required to present evidence in his defense.