Is the Politics of Vengeance Driving the ED Chargesheet Against Robert Vadra?

New Delhi, July 18 (NationPress) The Congress party has vehemently criticized the BJP-led NDA government, accusing it of leveraging central agencies for politically motivated retribution following the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) recent chargesheet implicating Robert Vadra, a businessman and the spouse of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi.

Senior Congress figure Supriya Shrinate condemned this action as a blatant instance of political vendetta, questioning the authenticity and timing of the ED’s proceedings.

In a statement to IANS, Supriya Shrinate remarked, “The politics of vengeance has perhaps never been this conspicuous. Eleven years into Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration, if there’s one case pursued with unyielding fervor, it’s this one. Yet, it has taken the ED over a decade to produce a chargesheet—despite numerous court stays, FIRs, commissions, and restructured inquiries, none of which found any fault with the original case.”

She suggested that the BJP's true objective is not justice but rather to instill fear in Priyanka Gandhi and her family.

“If the BJP believes this will intimidate Priyanka, they are mistaken. Priyanka Gandhi is not someone who will capitulate to such tactics. She is not retreating—she stands resolute and will respond in her own courageous manner.”

Earlier, Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi voiced his support for his brother-in-law, describing the chargesheet as a result of a “decade-long witch hunt.” He posted on X, “I stand with Robert, Priyanka, and their children as they confront yet another politically charged assault. The truth will shine through.”

Shrinate accused the BJP of weaponizing institutions such as the ED, CBI, and Income Tax Department to target political adversaries.

“These agencies have been transformed into the BJP’s private enforcement squad. They no longer operate independently—they're instruments of intimidation. If any agency dares to pose genuine inquiries, they are silenced or disregarded,” she stated.

She further challenged the ED’s success rate.

“In 98 percent of the cases filed against opposition figures in the past 11 years, there have been no convictions. So, what credibility do these agencies have? What do they achieve beyond garnering media attention?”

Shrinate also commented on the arrest of Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, in connection with a money laundering case tied to an alleged liquor scandal.

“When you cannot target the leader, you go after their family members. This is not justice—this is vendetta. Individuals with genuine criminal histories are welcomed into the BJP and granted clean slates. That’s the true washing machine here,” she asserted.

Shrinate also addressed the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) decision to withdraw from the INDIA coalition, the opposition alliance formed to counter the BJP ahead of the 2024 general elections.

“This is a matter best left to senior leadership responsible for coordinating efforts in Parliament. However, I can confirm that a significant INDIA bloc meeting is on the horizon. All parties that uphold the Constitution and are dedicated to preserving democracy are uniting. While no one will be coerced into joining, those who care about safeguarding our nation’s soul are invited,” she stated.

Shrinate further criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech in Bihar on Friday, where he vowed to develop Motihari like Mumbai and Gaya like Gurugram.

“God forbid Motihari resembles Gurugram. In Gurugram, roads have turned into swimming pools, potholes have consumed streets, and rainwater is inundating homes. Is this the model he aspires to replicate?”

She continued her attack by questioning the Prime Minister’s silence on urgent law-and-order issues in Bihar.

“In his 35-minute address, did the Prime Minister utter a single word about the murders taking place in broad daylight in Bihar? Did he acknowledge the complete breakdown of law and order? Did he mention the fraudulent electoral practices occurring under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls, where Block Level Officers (BLOs) are erasing the names of genuine voters, particularly those from minority communities? Not a word,” she said.

“It takes both courage and morality to address such matters. PM Modi lacks both,” Shrinate concluded.

She also criticized the Prime Minister’s claims regarding Operation Sindoor and national security.

“Now, PM Modi seeks accolades for Operation Sindoor. But since you brought it up, 88 days have elapsed since the Pahalgam terror attack. Where are the arrests? What justice has been delivered to the families who lost their loved ones? Why haven’t the perpetrators been apprehended?”

“You profess solidarity with the daughters of this nation. Then why haven’t you responded to those grieving for their husbands and fathers lost in the Pahalgam attack? They seek justice, yet your silence is profoundly unsettling,” she concluded.