'Gandhis in habit fo running away from country,' says Subramanian Swamy

New Delhi: BJP leader Subramanian Swamy said later that he had not opposed the bail for Congress president Sonia Gandhi and others, but had told the court that conditions should be imposed on the Gandhis’ travel abroad since they “were in the habit of running away from the country”.

The magistrate fixed February 20 as the next date of hearing while making it clear that no exemption from personal appearance would be granted to any accused. The proceedings were over within minutes after which the Gandhis came out smiling. They had to navigate through journalists and party workers to reach their cars.

Later, addressing the media at AICC headquarters here, Mrs Gandhi, Mr Gandhi and Dr Singh hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of levelling “false allegations” against them and making “full use” of government agencies to “deliberately target” the Opposition. “We will continue the fight and not bow down,” they said.

“The accused are reputed persons having deep political grassroots and there is no apprehension that they will flee,” the magistrate noted while granting them bail. While Mr Antony provided surety for Mrs Gandhi, Ms Priyanka Gandhi stood surety for her brother Rahul.