New Delhi, August 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The BJP on Monday questioned the Congress’ silence over the conviction of former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal in a rape case and alleged that the Opposition party had maintained political ties with him.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters, party spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Sudhanshu Trivedi accused the Congress of adopting “one-sided, partisan, and prejudiced thinking” on issues concerning freedom of expression and crimes against women.
His remarks came a day after the Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court overturned Tejpal’s acquittal by a trial court in the 2013 rape case and sentenced him to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment.
Trivedi asked why Congress leaders and Opposition figures who portray themselves as advocates of women’s rights had not publicly commented on the conviction.
He also alleged that the Congress had used Tehelka for political purposes and sought to influence the investigation into the case. Referring to the 2001 Tehelka sting operation involving allegations of corruption in defence deals, Trivedi accused successive Congress governments of shielding the organisation and its financiers from an inquiry commission constituted during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.
The BJP leader alleged that the relationship between the Congress and Tejpal amounted to an “unholy alliance” and claimed that successive governments had attempted to discredit allegations against him while portraying him positively.
Referring to Tejpal’s acquittal by the trial court in 2021, Trivedi said the former Tehelka editor had subsequently thanked the Congress for the assistance he claimed to have received during the rape case.
“Why has the Congress not uttered a word about Tejpal’s conviction?” Trivedi asked, demanding that the party explain its alleged relationship with the former editor.
He further accused the Congress of using people with alleged criminal backgrounds and media platforms to target governments with nationalist agendas. Trivedi alleged that investigations were avoided or challenged through legal assistance and that voices were subsequently muted when convictions occurred.
The BJP spokesperson said the Congress’ alleged silence over the latest court verdict raised questions about the political relationship between the party and Tejpal.
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