National Herald Case: Congress Workers Detained as ED Files Chargesheet Against Sonia, Rahul Gandhi

The National Herald case has reignited political tensions in India, with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filing a chargesheet against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi on April 9, 2025. On April 16, Delhi Police detained several Congress workers protesting outside the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters in New Delhi. The Congress party has labeled the ED’s actions as “political vendetta,” while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accuses Congress of misusing funds. This article dives into the latest developments, the history of the case, and the political fallout.

What is the National Herald Case?

The National Herald case centers around alleged financial irregularities involving the Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the publisher of the National Herald newspaper, founded by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1938. In 2012, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy filed a complaint, alleging that Congress leaders, including Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, orchestrated a fraudulent takeover of AJL’s assets through Young Indian Pvt. Ltd., a company where the Gandhis hold a majority stake.

According to the complaint, Congress provided a Rs 90 crore loan to AJL, which was later acquired by Young Indian for just Rs 50 lakh, allegedly enabling control over AJL’s real estate assets worth over Rs 2,000 crore. The ED’s investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) culminated in a chargesheet filed at Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court, naming Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Sam Pitroda, Suman Dubey, and others as accused.

Congress Workers Detained Amid Protests

Congress Workers Stopped During Protest March A pre-planned protest outside said AICC headquarters at 24, Akbar Road. On April 16, 2025, Delhi Police detained several Congress workers as AICC headquarters at 24, Akbar Road cried out for rebellion following ED’s chargesheet which the Congress claims is a politically motivated attack by the Modi government against opposition leaders. The party also called nationwide protests, especially outside ED offices, to denounce what Congress refers to as “state-sponsored crime.”

Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate condemned the government with words, “It is a case of 12 years back; the government waited for the last day to file the chargesheet which shows how legally and morally bankrupt they are. No money has exchanged hands.” Another leader, Udit Raj, called the chargesheet “fake and illegal” and vowed to take the fight to courts and the people.

BJP’s Counterattack: Allegations of Fund Misuse

The BJP has come as recollection with accusations that Congress builds up a “corporate conspiracy”. Senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad alleged that the Gandhis turned the National Herald, designed to amplify India’s freedom struggle voice, into a “private business” and “ATM for the Gandhi family.” He added that already Sonia and Rahul Gandhi are out on bail and they failed to get relief from the High Court and the Supreme Court.
BJP representative CR Kesavan added, “This isn’t Indira Gandhi’s Emergency. This is Modi’s Bharat, where nobody is above the Constitution.” The party further insisted that the ED chargesheet claiming proceeds of crime to the tune of Rs 5,000 crore is backed by objective, documentary evidence and clear money trail.

Political Vendetta or Legal Accountability?

Political Vendetta or Legal Accountabilities? The ED actions were framed by the Congress party as desperate attempts to try and silence Rahul Gandhi with increasing unity of the opposition and diminishing strength of the BJP in Parliament. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took to X stating, “Seizing the assets of the National Herald is state-sponsored crime masquerading law. The INC and its leadership shall not shut up.”
Meanwhile, the ED has ramped up its investigation as it initiated proceedings to seize AJL properties worth over Rs 700 crore comprising some properties in prime localities in Delhi, Mumbai, and Lucknow. The agency claims that these assets were acquired through misrepresentation including bogus donations and advance rents. The special court has fixed April 25, 2025, to hear whether it will take cognizance of the chargesheet.

Public and Political Reactions

Fervent debate on The National Herald case has erupted across India. Congress supporters see a political conspiracy behind filing of the chargesheet just on the eve of some important state elections. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called it a “revenge attack” from the Modi government while Andhra Pradesh Congress chief YS Sharmila called BJP the “Brusht Jumla Party” for wielding agencies like the ED and CBI.

But BJP leaders have argued that law must take its due course and drained the Congress with the finger of accusation for taking the protests route to divert concentration away from the law itself. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has also joined in with spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar questioning why no arrests have been made if the case is as simple as they claim, implying a possible alliance between BJP and Congress.

What’s Next in the National Herald Case?

With April 25 set for the actual hearing in the courts, the National Herald case is expected to remain a hot point in Indian politics. The Congress has vowed to fight and street wars both against the BJP, which also keeps pushing for accountability. The results of this case may have crucial ramifications both for the Gandhis, the Congress party and the rest of the political world.

Conclusion

In the National Herald case, the ED’s chargesheet against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi has rekindled allegations of vendetta and counter-charges of financial wrongdoing. As Congress workers face arrests and nationwide protests gather steam, the battle has now shifted from the courtroom to the streets. Watch for updates on what promises to be an interesting political drama.