In a significant development in the National Herald case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, along with Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda and others, alleging their involvement in a fraudulent takeover of assets worth Rs 2,000 crore.
The chargesheet, filed before Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court, accuses the Congress leaders of financial irregularities tied to the Associated Journals Limited (AJL), which was taken over by Young Indian Limited (YIL), a company beneficially owned by Sonia and Rahul Gandhi.
Congress has dismissed the charges as politically motivated, with party leader Jairam Ramesh branding it as a “state-sponsored crime masquerading as the rule of law.” He accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of using government agencies to intimidate opposition leaders.
The ED probe stems from a complaint filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy in 2014. The agency alleges that AJL’s assets, worth over Rs 2,000 crore, were acquired by YIL for a mere Rs 50 lakh, raising serious concerns over financial impropriety. Additionally, investigators claim that illicit funds of Rs 988 crore were generated through suspicious donations, advance rent payments, and advertisements.
Despite legal challenges, the courts have permitted the investigation to proceed, and the matter will be heard on April 25.
Senior Congress leaders have vehemently opposed the ED’s actions, alleging that the BJP is weaponizing investigative agencies against political adversaries. In a statement, J. Ramesh said, “The INC and its leadership will not be silenced. Satyameva Jayate.”
Founded in 1938 by Jawaharlal Nehru and other freedom fighters, the National Herald became the Congress party’s mouthpiece. However, financial difficulties led to its closure in 2008, and the newspaper’s assets were at the centre of the current legal dispute.
The upcoming court hearing on April 25 is expected to shape the trajectory of the case. If the charges against the Gandhis hold in court, it could have substantial political ramifications, particularly in the run-up to future elections.
