Synopsis
Congress workers in Patna protested against the Enforcement Directorate's charge sheet against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case, labeling it politically motivated. The demonstrations intensified outside the ED office where slogans were shouted and paint was sprayed. This marks a significant increase in political activism by the Congress in Bihar.Key Takeaways
- Congress protests in Patna against ED.
- Charge sheet filed against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi.
- Claims of political motivation behind the actions.
- Historical context of the National Herald case.
- Increased political activity by Congress in Bihar.
Patna, April 16 (NationPress) Congress supporters held demonstrations on Wednesday in Patna after a charge sheet was submitted against prominent Congress figures Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case.
The protestors, led by state president Rajesh Ram and in-charge Krishna Allavaru, assembled in significant numbers at the Income Tax roundabout, chanting slogans and denouncing what they termed as “politically motivated actions” by the Union government.
The intensity of the protest surged at the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office, where Congress members splattered black paint on the office signage and chanted slogans accusing the BJP-led central government of misusing federal agencies for political vendetta.
The National Herald case originates from 2012 when BJP leader Subramanian Swamy lodged a complaint alleging financial misconduct. He asserted that ‘Young Indian Pvt Ltd,’ a company associated with Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, acquired Associated Journals Ltd (AJL) — the publisher of the National Herald — in a manner that breached legal regulations.
The National Herald, established in 1938 by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, was initially created as a platform during India’s struggle for independence.
The AJL also published Navjivan (Hindi) and Qaumi Awaz (Urdu) newspapers. The Enforcement Directorate has now presented a charge sheet in this matter, with court cognizance anticipated shortly.
Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi have been on regular bail since 2015, and unless a new warrant is issued, there is no immediate legal threat to them.
In recent weeks, the Congress party has ramped up protests on various issues in Bihar, a notable change from past trends in the state.
Recently, Patna police filed an FIR against 41 individuals, including youth leader Kanhaiya Kumar, during a march towards the Chief Minister’s residence as part of the Palayan Roko Naukari Do Yatra.
