In a significant political development, Congress workers staged a vigorous demonstration outside the Bharatiya Janata Party's state headquarters in Harmu, Ranchi, on Wednesday. The protest was a direct response to a Delhi court's decision a day earlier, which provided relief to Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the long-running National Herald money laundering case. The party coordinated similar agitations in several other states across the country.
Court's Decision Sparks Political Confrontation
The immediate trigger for the protests was an order passed by a Delhi court on Tuesday. Special Judge Vishal Gogne declined to take cognisance of the Enforcement Directorate's prosecution complaint against the Gandhi family in the National Herald case. In a detailed 117-page order, the judge noted that the ED's probe was "impermissible in law" as it was not initiated based on a First Information Report (FIR), which is a mandatory prerequisite under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
However, the court did permit the ED to continue its investigation based on an FIR registered by the Delhi Police's economic offences wing on October 3, which the agency subsequently brought to the court's notice.
Congress Leaders Hail 'Truth', Demand Apology
Addressing the protesters in Ranchi, State Congress President Keshav Mahto Kamlesh declared that truth had ultimately prevailed. He asserted that senior BJP leaders had consistently targeted the Gandhis using this case. Kamlesh launched a sharp attack on the central government, stating, "This is possibly the only PMLA case in the country that was registered on a criminal complaint by an individual. Normally, PMLA cases are registered based on complaints made by constitutional agencies or police."
He further demanded, "Now the Narendra Modi government at the Centre should tender a public apology to the nation for misusing its powers through the ED to defame the Gandhi family." Another senior leader, former party president Rajesh Thakur, echoed these sentiments, accusing the central government of systematically targeting Congress and other opposition leaders by using agencies like the ED and CBI to intimidate elected representatives from non-BJP ruled states.
BJP Counters: 'No Clean Chit, Trial Continues'
The BJP swiftly countered the Congress's narrative. State BJP President Babulal Marandi dismissed the protests as a manifestation of the grand old party's "mental bankruptcy." He clarified the court's order, emphasizing that it did not absolve the Gandhis.
"The court verdict in the National Herald case is in no way a clean chit to Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi," Marandi stated. "This verdict has only stated that no FIR will be registered but it has also stated that the trial will continue. The case is purely one of fraud." This statement sets the stage for continued political and legal wrangling over the issue.
Broader Implications of the Legal and Political Clash
The events highlight the intensifying political warfare in India, where allegations of investigative agencies being used for political vendetta have become commonplace. The Congress's nationwide protest strategy indicates it sees the court's order as a vindication and a potent political tool to challenge the ruling dispensation. Conversely, the BJP's firm rebuttal underscores its commitment to pursuing the legal case. The National Herald matter remains a focal point in the ongoing tug-of-war between the government and the opposition, with both sides preparing for a prolonged battle in courtrooms and on the political stage.
