Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Sunday claimed the Union government was afraid of Rahul Gandhi and that is why the Congress leader is yet to be reinstated as Lok Sabha MP despite the Supreme Court staying his conviction in a 2019 defamation case related to his "Modi surname" remark, reported the PTI.

On August 4, the apex had stayed Gandhi`s conviction in the case, paving the way for his reinstatement as Lok Sabha MP from Wayanad in Kerala.