Senior Congress leader and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has hailed a recent court decision providing relief to Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi in the long-running National Herald case as a decisive "victory of truth over power." His statement comes in the wake of legal developments that have once again brought the politically sensitive case into the spotlight.
Gehlot's Strong Critique of Enforcement Directorate
In a sharp rebuke to the central investigative agency, Gehlot alleged that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had recently filed a First Information Report (FIR) with the Delhi Police in this case despite being fully aware that the allegations were groundless. "Knowing well that the charges were baseless and had no substance," the ED proceeded with its action, he stated. This move, according to the Congress veteran, was an attempt to use state machinery to pressure political opponents.
The Core of the National Herald Allegations
The National Herald case, which has been a significant point of political contention for years, involves allegations concerning the financial dealings of the Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the company that published the National Herald newspaper, and its takeover by Young Indian Pvt. Ltd., in which the Gandhis hold a majority stake. Opposition parties, primarily the BJP, have accused the Gandhis of misappropriating assets. The Congress has consistently dismissed these charges as a politically motivated witch-hunt.
The recent court relief for the Gandhi family marks a pivotal moment in this protracted legal battle. While the specific details of the court's order were not elaborated in Gehlot's statement, the relief is seen as a setback for the agencies pursuing the case.
Political Repercussions and the Narrative of Victory
Ashok Gehlot's framing of the event as "truth over power" is a direct political counter-narrative. It seeks to portray the Congress leadership as victims of an unjust system that has now been corrected by the judiciary. This narrative is crucial for the party as it mobilizes its base and seeks public sympathy ahead of future electoral challenges.
The statement, made on December 16, 2025, reinforces the Congress's long-standing position that the case is devoid of legal merit and is sustained solely by the political will of the ruling dispensation. The relief from the court is being celebrated within party ranks as a validation of their stance.
As the legal proceedings continue to unfold, this development is likely to fuel further political debate. The Congress will aim to capitalize on this moment, while the BJP and its allies are expected to reiterate their demand for a thorough investigation. The National Herald case remains a potent symbol of the fierce political rivalry that defines Indian politics.
