What Political Storm is the National Herald FIR Causing?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Political tensions escalate with the filing of a new FIR.
- BJP supports the FIR citing credible evidence against Congress leaders.
- Congress claims it's a conspiracy to attack opposition.
- The case involves significant financial allegations and properties valued at over Rs 2,000 crore.
- Ongoing investigations reflect broader political dynamics in India.
New Delhi, Nov 30 (NationPress) A new political conflict ignited on Sunday as the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Delhi Police filed a fresh FIR against Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi in relation to the National Herald money-laundering investigation.
The FIR has led to intense and differing reactions from members of the BJP and Congress.
BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal vocally supported the action, claiming that the FIR is based on significant evidence obtained by investigative bodies.
"Look, charges have been established. Their names are included in the FIR. This indicates that the investigative agency and police possess credible evidence against them. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently stated that those who have plundered the nation will be required to return what they took. This is not a new development. The Congress and its leaders are notorious across the country for the misuse of funds," he alleged, asserting a long-standing history of financial misconduct within the party.
Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC also refuted claims that the FIR is politically charged, emphasizing that the case is grounded in "financial misconduct."
"The National Herald case is not a political witch hunt. The FIR pertains to a criminal conspiracy involving the assets of Associated Journals Limited, which owns the National Herald Company, valued at nearly Rs 2,000 crore. There are three companies whose beneficiaries include Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. When an FIR is lodged against them - whether it is Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, or Sam Pitroda - the Constitution holds precedence. I trust the law will take its course..."
Conversely, the Congress party characterized the FIR as the most recent effort by the BJP to target opposition figures via investigative agencies.
Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant stated, "There is a concerted effort to intimidate the opposition; this is a conspiracy. This has never been, nor will it ever be, the democratic approach of the BJP. They are employing a completely authoritarian tactic, aiming to suppress and frighten the opposition. However, we will not succumb to fear..."
The EOW filed this new FIR on October 3, following a complaint from the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The case accuses Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and six others of engaging in a criminal conspiracy to fraudulently take control of Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the parent company of the now-defunct National Herald.
Others implicated in the FIR include Sam Pitroda, Suman Dubey, Sunil Bhandari, and three entities: Young Indian, Dotex Merchandise Pvt Ltd, and AJL.
According to the FIR, the alleged conspiracy aimed to acquire AJL, which possessed properties valued over Rs 2,000 crore, for merely Rs 50 lakh through Young Indian, a company reportedly beneficially owned by Sonia and Rahul Gandhi.