Rahul in LS, in time for no-trust motion today

NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was back in Parliament on Monday after four months, as his membership of the Lower House was restored by the Lok Sabha Secretariat, after the Supreme Court last week stayed his conviction in a defamation case.

Gandhi’s return just before the No-Trust motion against the Narendra Modi government came as a boost to the entire Opposition. The Lok Sabha will on Tuesday take-up the No-Confidence Motion moved by Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi. Gandhi is likely to be one of the key speakers of the Opposition bloc INDIA.

Gandhi reached Parliament House and offered floral tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi before entering the House around noon.

Gandhi was accorded a warm welcome by the Congress and other Opposition MPs, but the House was adjourned within minutes.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge hailed Gandhi’s reinstatement as an MP, saying that the decision was a “welcome step” and it brings relief to the people of India. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also hailed her brother’s return.