The Congress party has strongly criticized the recent FIR filed in the National Herald case, alleging that it is aClear indication of political vendetta orchestrated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. The opposition party insists that the case is entirely fabricated and designed to harass and intimidate the Congress leadership.
Congress leaders have voiced their concerns, asserting that the "Modi-Shah duo" is engaging in mischievous politics with the aim of targeting the Indian National Congress's top leaders. They claim that those who resort to such tactics are insecure and afraid. The Congress firmly believes that justice will ultimately prevail, emphasizing the principle of "Satyameva Jayate" (truth alone triumphs).
The National Herald case revolves around allegations of financial irregularities. The Associated Journals Ltd (AJL), which publishes the National Herald newspaper, had a loan of approximately ₹90 crore from the Congress party. It is alleged that the shares of AJL were acquired for a mere ₹50 lakh through a newly formed company, Young India Ltd. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi purportedly held a 76% share in this new company. The BJP alleges that this maneuver effectively waived the ₹90 crore loan and transferred ownership of Associated Journals' assets to Young India. These assets include properties in various states, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Lucknow, allegedly worth crores of rupees.
The Congress party refutes these allegations, asserting that no money or immovable property was transferred. They argue that Young India was created as a not-for-profit company solely to hold the shares of AJL, which continues to operate the National Herald and retain ownership of its assets. They emphasize that neither the Gandhis nor other Congress functionaries receive any dividends or perks from this arrangement.
The BJP has dismissed the Congress's accusations of political vendetta as baseless. They argue that the case originated from a private complaint filed in 2008, long before the Modi government assumed power. The BJP contends that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) requested the Delhi Police to file an FIR based on its investigation into the case, following due process of law. The FIR alleges criminal conspiracy, misappropriation, breach of trust, and cheating under the Indian Penal Code.
Senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad stated that the Congress leaders should provide an account of the alleged "loot" instead of making speeches. He highlighted that the Delhi High Court had previously dismissed a petition seeking to quash the proceedings and directed the Congress leaders to face trial. The Supreme Court also upheld this decision.
A Delhi court has deferred its order on cognizance of the Enforcement Directorate's chargesheet in the National Herald case to December 16. The case remains a contentious issue, with both the Congress and BJP presenting conflicting narratives and accusations.
