Sparks over National Herald verdict

Sparks flew between the BJP and Congress after the Delhi High Court on Monday dismissed pleas by Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi challenging the reopening of their tax assessments for 2011-12.

The ensuing slugfest ensured that there is no temperance from either side as leaders of both parties resorted to intemperate language to corner each other.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said, "The roots of corruption in the whole country are linked to 10 Janpath. It is now clear from the National Herald issue that Gandhi family is known as a family, which engages in tax evasion. This is a family of such corrupt people that only harms the nation."

10 Janpath is the official residence of UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

He also went on to say that the real reason behind the Congress calling for a Bharat Bandh was this case as they knew that the high court is going to give a decision against them. "This bandh was organised to deflect the attention of the nation," he said.

The Congress reacted sharply saying the BJP is now resorting to "foolish press conferences" and making “stupid remarks” which have no foundation.

"Perhaps in the history of this country, such stupidity and foolishness may have never been committed by ruling dispensation. BJP has to commit 100 foolish acts to hide one foolish act committed earlier. It seems it has now become the character of BJP to serve such foolishness, lies and conspiracy,” said Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala.

Without naming Patra, who addressed a press conference in the evening, Surjewala termed him a "man with little knowledge".

"The argument of the BJP that 'Bharat Bandh' was called because of the judgment in this case. Did Modiji know what the judgment was going to be? Did the Judge tell them what the judgment was going to be? 'Bharat Bandh' was announced a week earlier. So, did you know what the judgment would be? What kind of stupidity and foolishness it can be?," Surjewala said.