Modi surname row: How political parties reacted to Rahul Gandhi's conviction

After the Surat district court convicted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a criminal defamation case over his 'Modi surname' remark, political reactions started pouring in. Congress termed the lower court's verdict as unsustainable and criticised the BJP government at the Centre. Other Opposition parties extended their support to the Congress leader. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav slammed BJP and said that the saffron party should be dragged into court for defaming the country and its constitution. AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal also backed Rahul Gandhi and criticised BJP. CM Kejriwal accused the BJP of hatching a 'conspiracy... to eliminate non-BJP leaders and parties by prosecuting them'. On the other hand, BJP advised Rahul Gandhi to be careful about the words he chooses. BJP said that he insulted a community.