Synopsis
In a recent press conference, BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad criticized Congress leaders Sonia and Rahul Gandhi regarding the National Herald case, asserting it was never the personal property of the Nehru family and highlighting the historical context of the publication.Key Takeaways
- Ravi Shankar Prasad challenges Congress’s claims about the National Herald.
- The National Herald was founded in 1937, not as a family-owned entity.
- Allegations of misappropriating public property have been raised.
- The case is currently under legal investigation.
- Significant funds and assets have been associated with the Young India company.
New Delhi, April 16 (NationPress) Senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad conducted a press briefing on Wednesday, delivering a sharp critique of Congress figures Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi concerning the ongoing National Herald matter.
In his address to the press, Prasad remarked, "The Congress Party is experiencing turmoil, asserting their right to protest nationwide. While they indeed possess the right to protest, they lack the authority to misappropriate public assets allocated to the National Herald.
"Let’s revisit some crucial information. The National Herald was founded in 1937, with 5,000 shareholders who bought shares."
"It was never the private property of the Nehru family, and it’s vital to recognize that numerous esteemed freedom fighters and Congress leaders backed this endeavor," he emphasized.
He further claimed that the share transfer involving Rs 9 crore was simply a façade.
"This Rs 9 crore share transfer was not significant. Post-transfer, the Young India company, which is 76% owned by Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, took control of the entire property of Associated Journals Limited. This property encompasses assets in Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, Bhopal, and Patna, valued at thousands of crores. It was claimed that Young India Limited was a non-profit entity for charitable purposes, yet they have not engaged in any charitable activities to date.
Prasad clarified that the case is under legal examination.
"An investigation is underway, and charges will follow. The court has announced that the hearing will occur on April 25. So, what’s the concern here? Additionally, it should be noted that Sonia Ji and Rahul Gandhi are currently on bail. They approached the High Court and Supreme Court to dismiss the entire process but did not receive any reprieve. The only concession granted was that they need not appear in person, only through their lawyer," Prasad noted.
Delving into the historical backdrop of National Herald, Prasad referenced senior Congress leaders who had previously voiced concerns.
"The narrative of the National Herald is quite compelling. Our research team investigated it, and we discovered that Sardar Patel had raised alarms, stating it was inappropriate to accept funds from the common populace who could hardly afford it. These were respected Congress figures, and we possess all the correspondence.
"Even Chandra Bhanu Gupta, the former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, had mobilized substantial funds for this. He was a senior leader who asserted that this newspaper was intended to be the voice of the nation, yet it ultimately became the voice of Pandit Nehru and his family.
"This is not merely our assertion; it’s from Congress leaders themselves, and all of it is documented," he added.
Prasad also pointed out a notable advertisement expenditure following the share transfer.
"I have noted that after the share transfer to Young India, there was also an advertisement costing Rs 25–26 crore. The harsh reality is that the newspaper, which was founded to amplify the voices of those resisting British imperialism during the freedom movement, has now morphed into a private enterprise," he commented.
The BJP is demanding responses from Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, asking, "Should the law not intervene regarding the property worth thousands of crores that you have appropriated? Please reply," Prasad concluded.
