The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has lodged a chargesheet against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and others relating to the investigation into the National Herald case. The chargesheet, filed on April 11, includes Congress leaders Sam Pitroda and Suman Dubey as accused. The action by the ED has drawn a sharp reaction from the Congress party, with the leaders accusing the ruling government of indulging in a political vendetta.
The charge sheet was perused by Special Judge Vishal Gogne, who will determine if he is to take cognizance of the case. The next hearing will be on April 25, 2025. Judge Gogne ordered the special counsel of the ED and the Investigating Officer (IO) to make the case diaries available at the time of the hearing.
Jairam Ramesh Slams Chargesheet Filing
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh lashed out sharply at the ED’s move on the social media platform X, terming the charging of chargesheets against Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and others “nothing but the politics of vendetta and intimidation.” Ramesh said, “Seizing the assets of the National Herald is a state-sponsored crime masquerading as the rule of law.” He added further, “The INC and its leadership will not be silenced. Satyameva Jayate.”
ED’s Move: Money Laundering Investigation in National Herald Case
This is coming after the ED initiated the process of seizing assets worth more than Rs 700 crore owned by the Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the firm behind publishing the National Herald daily newspaper. The assets involve prime location properties in Delhi, Mumbai, and Lucknow, including the famous Herald House in the national capital.
AJL is owned by Young Indian Private Limited, where Sonia and Rahul Gandhi have a 38% share each. The ED explained that this move is part of its probe into money laundering done under Section 8 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The seizure of property comes after the probe into the suspected financial malpractices pertaining to the publication of the National Herald newspaper.
Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi’s Stance
Both Sonia and Rahul Gandhi have repeatedly denied the allegations and have accused the government of using investigative agencies to target them politically. According to the ED, the charges are based on their investigation into a money laundering case linked to AJL’s assets.
Congress Leaders Call it “State-Sponsored Crime”
Congress party leadership has criticized the filing of chargesheets, targeting the government for using investigative agencies for political ends. The charges against their leadership, the party leadership claims, are politically motivated and intended to muzzle criticism of the present government.
The filing of chargesheets also takes place at a time when there is increasing tension within the party, with Congress leadership criticizing the ruling BJP for targeting opposition leaders and muzzling their ability to voice opinion on public issues.
Robert Vadra Called by ED in Independent Case
In a connected development, businessman Robert Vadra, husband of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi, visited the ED office after he was summoned about a money laundering probe involving a land transaction in Shikohpur, Haryana. Vadra, who came to the ED office with his supporters, rejected the charges against him as politically motivated and said he was being targeted for his outspoken views on many issues.
He vented his ire at the repeated calls, saying, “When I speak for the country, I am halted. Rahul is halted from speaking in the Parliament. BJP is doing this. This is a political vendetta. People adore me and want me to enter politics. When I say I will enter politics, they call up old issues to discredit me and deflect from the core issues.”
Vadra, who has been called by the ED several times in the last 20 years, reaffirmed that he had nothing to hide and that he was cooperating fully with the investigation.
Political Fallout and Public Response on National Herald Case
The arrest of Congress leaders and the charges against them have set off a bitter political debate nationwide. The Congress party also insists that all this is part of a general effort to quell political opposition and silence free speech, particularly in any criticism of the government. As the judicial process goes on, the case remains a major source of dispute in Indian politics, with both sides gearing up for a high-stakes court battle.
The accusations against Rahul and Sonia Gandhi, along with the engagement of high-profile personalities such as Robert Vadra, reflect the strained relationships between the opposition Congress party and the ruling BJP, with political and legal consequences set to evolve in the foreseeable future.
