Imran Masood Defends National Herald as a National Heritage
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Synopsis
Congress MP Imran Masood fiercely defends the National Herald, labeling it a national treasure. As the party prepares for extensive press conferences, he condemns attempts to undermine its reputation and addresses various political controversies involving the BJP.
Key Takeaways
- National Herald is deemed a national legacy by Masood.
- Congress plans press conferences in 57 cities.
- Masood criticizes BJP’s historical narratives.
- Concerns about the Election Commission are validated.
- Alliance with Samajwadi Party is welcomed.
New Delhi, April 21 (NationPress) Congress MP Imran Masood on Monday came out in strong defence of the weekly publication National Herald, describing it as a national legacy and accusing those in power of attempting to damage its reputation.
His comments were made as Congress prepares to conduct press conferences in 57 cities from April 21 to April 24, responding to the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) chargesheet that implicates Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case.
In an interview with IANS, Imran Masood stated, “National Herald is a treasure. It raised its voice during the independence movement. At that time, very few newspapers genuinely reflected the voice of the people. Congress has safeguarded it for decades. Those who were uninvolved in the freedom struggle are now attempting to defame it.”
Masood also addressed the criticism directed at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding his recent remarks in the UK, where he mentioned Mahatma Gandhi being expelled from a train—an incident that actually took place in South Africa, not the UK. BJP leaders have challenged Rahul’s historical accuracy.
“I believe the BJP considers themselves the sole guardians of history,” Masood commented.
“They alter history to fit their agenda. I don’t find it necessary to learn history from them.”
On Rahul Gandhi’s recent remarks in Boston, where he claimed that the Election Commission of India is compromised and referenced the Maharashtra elections as an illustration, Masood affirmed that his concerns are justified.
“What he is saying is accurate. If there’s no wrongdoing, why erase the records? If there are uncertainties regarding the Electronic Voting Machines, then those concerns should be transparently addressed,” he stated.
Masood also welcomed the recent statements from Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, indicating that the alliance between the SP and Congress will persist until 2027.
“It’s a positive development. There’s nothing wrong with that,” he remarked.
Regarding the controversy involving BJP MPs Nishikant Dubey and Dinesh Sharma, who made derogatory statements about the Supreme Court and Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna, Masood asserted that the BJP cannot simply absolve itself of the situation.
“If Dubey claims that the comments were his personal opinion, then how can the party distance itself from them? It is our duty to respect the Supreme Court. He should reflect on his own conduct,” he said.
Nishikant Dubey—one of the outspoken BJP MPs criticized the Supreme Court, suggesting, "if the apex court is to frame the laws, then Parliament and state assemblies should be shut."
