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The central allegation is that Sonia Gandhi’s name was included in the voter list before her naturalisation process was complete
The Delhi court’s notice is a procedural step, requiring Sonia Gandhi to formally present her case and evidence in response to the specific claims made in the revision petition. File pic/PTI
A Delhi court has issued a formal notice to former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, requiring her response to a criminal revision petition that rekindles a long-standing controversy regarding her citizenship status and registration on the voter list. This judicial action comes amidst a firm defence from the Congress party, with MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra outright dismissing the allegations against her mother as an “absolute lie” and politically motivated.
The criminal revision petition concerns the period before Sonia Gandhi officially acquired Indian citizenship. The central allegation is that her name was included in the voter list of the parliamentary constituency before her naturalisation process was complete, raising questions about the legality of her electoral registration at that time. The long-running citizenship debate has historically been a flashpoint in Indian politics, often raised by the opposition to question her eligibility for high office.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, addressing the media on Tuesday, strongly refuted the charges, asserting that all documentation related to her mother’s citizenship acquisition was legally sound and complete. By labelling the allegations as an “absolute lie”, the Congress leader attempted to frame the judicial proceeding as a politically charged attempt to target a senior opposition figure through the courts. The party maintains that the timing of these legal challenges often coincides with major political events or legislative sessions.
The Delhi court’s notice is a procedural step, requiring Sonia Gandhi to formally present her case and evidence in response to the specific claims made in the revision petition. While the case itself relates to events that occurred decades ago, the court’s decision to entertain the petition ensures that the contentious issue of the Congress leader’s citizenship and her initial foray into Indian electoral politics will once again be subject to public and judicial scrutiny. The outcome of the petition is likely to have significant political ramifications, regardless of the final legal judgment.
Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. December 09, 2025, 18:54 IST
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