The Congress Party on Wednesday launched a massive nationwide protest against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government and investigative agencies, following the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) chargesheet against senior leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald money laundering case.
Protests erupted across multiple states, with Congress leaders and workers hitting the streets in large numbers. In Delhi, tensions escalated as several party members were detained by police while attempting to breach barricades near the AICC headquarters.
Terming the ED’s move a “politically motivated vendetta,” Congress leaders alleged that the chargesheet was filed with the intent to divert attention from critical national issues and suppress opposition voices ahead of key state elections.
“This is a deliberate attempt to distract the nation from real concerns and to intimidate opposition leaders,” said Congress leader Amit Chavda. “The BJP is misusing institutions like the ED and CBI to stifle democratic dissent.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi suggested the timing of the chargesheet was strategic. “Just as Rahul Gandhi holds a rally in Gujarat, this case is suddenly revived. It’s no coincidence. The BJP is rattled by the opposition’s growing presence in Bihar, Gujarat, and Assam. This is an attempt to crush the Congress resurgence,” he said.
Party leader Sachin Pilot described the case as a “blatant act of political harassment.” “This is a politically motivated case. Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi are being purposefully targeted. But we have full faith in the judiciary and will fight this battle legally and democratically,” Pilot said.
The ED, on Tuesday, filed a prosecution complaint at Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court naming Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Sam Pitroda, Suman Dubey, and others. The case has been listed for arguments on cognisance on April 25. The complaint stems from a case initiated by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, alleging financial irregularities involving Associated Journals Limited and Young Indian Pvt. Ltd.
In response, Congress has announced protests at ED offices in district headquarters across the country, accusing the central government of weaponizing investigative agencies against opposition leaders.
Despite the legal pressure, Congress leaders vowed to continue their fight both on the streets and in court, reaffirming their support for the Gandhi family and defending the party’s legacy.
