Congress Sues BJP’s Malviya, Republic TV’s Goswami Over Turkey Office Claim

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 21st May: The Congress party has filed a criminal complaint against BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya and Republic TV Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami, accusing them of spreading disinformation about the party’s alleged links with Turkey. The FIR, filed by the Congress Legal Cell, charges both with defamation, inciting unrest, and undermining national security by falsely claiming that the Congress operates an office in Turkey.

The controversy erupted after posts by Malviya and Goswami circulated online, alleging that the Istanbul Congress Center was functioning as the international office of the Indian National Congress. The Congress party has called this a “deliberate and malicious attempt” to mislead the public, defame Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and destabilize national unity.

“This is a direct attack on India’s democratic fabric,” the Congress Legal Cell stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “Let this be a clear message: any attempt to spread fake news against our party or its leadership will be met with a firm legal and political response.”

Under the direction of @IYC In-charge Shri @Allavaru Ji, National President @UdayBhanuIYC Ji, and Our Chairman @RoopeshINC Ji, an FIR has been registered under non-bailable sections against @amitmalviya and Arnab Goswami Editor-in-Chief, @republic for defaming the constitutional… pic.twitter.com/nlTxoPO8RD

— IYC Legal Cell (@IYCLegalCell) May 20, 2025

In its official complaint, the Congress alleged that the act was “executed with clear and undeniable criminal intent to deceive the Indian public, manipulate nationalist sentiments, incite unrest, and undermine democratic integrity.” The FIR terms the campaign a “deliberate criminal conspiracy,” accusing both Malviya and Goswami of abusing their influential positions to spread fabricated narratives.

The backlash comes at a time when public sentiment in India has sharply turned against Turkey due to Ankara’s vocal support for Pakistan following India’s Operation Sindoor. Several Indian universities have reportedly suspended collaborations with Turkish institutions, and bookings for travel to Turkey have seen widespread cancellations. Additionally, Turkish companies operating in India are reportedly facing expulsion.

The Congress has called for strict legal action and reaffirmed its commitment to countering misinformation and safeguarding democratic values.