Gangs of Gandhinagar’ misusing agencies: Congress on National Herald row
The National Herald case has been a long-standing controversy in Indian politics, with the Gandhi family at its center. Recently, a Delhi court refused to take cognisance of the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) money laundering case against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, dealing a significant blow to the Centre’s efforts to prosecute the Congress leadership. In response, the Congress party has come out swinging, alleging that the case was nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt by the Centre to target its leadership.
At the heart of the Congress’ criticism is the notion that the Centre, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, is misusing central agencies to settle political scores. This accusation is not new, but it has taken on a new level of significance in the wake of the Delhi court’s decision. According to Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera, “The gangs of Gandhinagar’s misuse of central agencies stands exposed today.” The term “Gangs of Gandhinagar” is a clear reference to PM Modi and Amit Shah, who hail from Gujarat, with Gandhinagar being the state capital.
The National Herald case itself is complex and multifaceted. The newspaper, which was founded by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1938, was on the verge of closure in 2010 when the Gandhi family stepped in to save it. The paper was acquired by a company called Young Indian, which was controlled by Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. The ED alleged that this acquisition was a sham transaction, designed to launder money and gain control of the newspaper’s assets.
However, the Delhi court’s decision to refuse cognisance of the ED’s case has raised serious questions about the motivations behind the Centre’s actions. The Congress party has long maintained that the case is a politically motivated witch-hunt, designed to discredit and intimidate its leadership. With the court’s decision, it appears that these allegations may have some merit.
The Congress party has been vocal in its criticism of the Centre’s handling of the case, with many of its leaders coming out to condemn the alleged misuse of central agencies. According to Khera, the court’s decision is a clear indication that the ED’s case was flawed from the start. “The court has seen through the conspiracy hatched by the gangs of Gandhinagar,” he said.
The term “Gangs of Gandhinagar” is significant, as it suggests that PM Modi and Amit Shah are behind the alleged conspiracy to target the Gandhi family. This is not the first time that the Congress party has made such allegations, but it is a clear indication of the level of distrust and hostility between the two parties.
The National Herald case is just one example of the many controversies that have dogged the Gandhi family in recent years. From the 2G spectrum scam to the AgustaWestland helicopter deal, the family has faced numerous allegations of corruption and impropriety. However, the Congress party has consistently maintained that these allegations are baseless and motivated by political considerations.
As the National Herald case continues to unfold, it is clear that the stakes are high for all parties involved. The Congress party is fighting to clear its name and protect its leadership, while the Centre is determined to prove that the Gandhi family is guilty of wrongdoing. With the Delhi court’s decision, the ball is now in the Centre’s court, and it remains to be seen how it will respond to the allegations of misuse of central agencies.
One thing is certain, however: the National Herald case has become a major flashpoint in Indian politics, with serious implications for the future of the country’s democracy. As the Congress party continues to allege that the Centre is misusing central agencies to target its leadership, it is clear that the trust between the two parties has broken down completely.
In conclusion, the Delhi court’s decision to refuse cognisance of the ED’s money laundering case against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi has significant implications for Indian politics. The Congress party’s allegations of misuse of central agencies have raised serious questions about the motivations behind the Centre’s actions, and it remains to be seen how the Centre will respond to these allegations. As the National Herald case continues to unfold, one thing is certain: the future of Indian politics will be shaped by the outcome of this controversy.