Congress Protests Nationwide Over National Herald Case: A Full Report
Date: April 2025
Location: Across India
Reported by: Multiple national media outlets
Background of the National Herald Case
The National Herald case involves allegations of financial irregularities related to the Congress party’s acquisition of Associated Journals Ltd. (AJL), which published the National Herald newspaper. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) alleges that top Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, used a company named Young Indian to acquire AJL’s assets—allegedly worth over ₹800 crore ($96 million)—through improper channels.
While Congress has maintained that it was a straightforward business restructuring to revive a defunct newspaper, the ED has filed money laundering charges, claiming the transfer of assets involved illegitimate financial dealings.
Congress’s Reaction and Protests
In response to the ED’s fresh chargesheet filed in early April 2025, the Congress launched a nationwide protest campaign, accusing the Modi-led BJP government of orchestrating a political vendetta. Party workers and leaders staged demonstrations in dozens of cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Patna, and Jaipur.
Major Highlights of the Protests:
- Delhi: Outside the AICC headquarters, senior leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge, Jairam Ramesh, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra addressed party workers. Delhi Police detained several protesters for violating Section 144 orders in the area.
- Chandigarh: Water cannons were used to disperse demonstrators attempting to march toward the Governor’s residence.
- Guwahati: State Congress President Bhupen Kumar Borah and multiple party workers were detained while protesting at the Raj Bhawan.
- Jaipur: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot openly criticized the central government, accusing it of “killing democracy” through the misuse of institutions like the ED and CBI.
Statements from Congress Leaders
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the ED’s actions, calling them “a targeted attack on democracy.” He emphasized that the party would not be intimidated and would continue fighting both legally and politically.
Priyanka Gandhi stated:
“This is not just about the Gandhis. This is about silencing the voice of the opposition. We will not back down.”
Rahul Gandhi, during a press conference, labeled the case a “diversionary tactic” to draw attention away from real issues such as unemployment, inflation, and the alleged misuse of electoral bonds by the ruling party.
BJP and Government’s Response
The BJP dismissed Congress’s accusations of political vendetta, asserting that the law is taking its course. Union Minister Smriti Irani said:
“The Congress is nervous because they know the truth is coming out. If they have done no wrong, why fear the investigation?”
Home Minister Amit Shah, in a media interaction, reiterated that no one is above the law, and the ED is acting independently, based on evidence gathered over several years.
Legal and Political Implications
Legal experts believe the National Herald case could have far-reaching consequences—not just for the Congress leadership, but for broader party finances in India. If convicted, Sonia and Rahul Gandhi could face imprisonment and disqualification from electoral politics.
Politically, Congress is trying to frame the issue as a battle between democracy and authoritarianism. By mobilizing state units and staging coordinated protests, the party aims to reassert itself as a national opposition force ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Public Sentiment and Media Coverage
The media coverage has been sharply divided. While several national outlets have highlighted Congress’s argument of political harassment, others have pointed to the ED’s documented findings and underlined the legal gravity of the case.
Public sentiment appears mixed. Some urban youth and civil society members have expressed concern over the use of state agencies against opposition leaders. However, others, especially BJP supporters, view it as accountability for long-standing corruption.
International Reactions
Although no official comment has been made by foreign governments, international human rights groups like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have noted a “pattern” of targeting dissent in India. The National Herald case has also been mentioned in global discussions on democratic backsliding.
Conclusion and What Lies Ahead
As the National Herald case heads for trial, and with the Congress party refusing to yield, the protests are expected to intensify. Congress has announced a second phase of its agitation plan, including legal awareness campaigns, public rallies, and a “Save Democracy Yatra” across several states.
The ED has summoned Rahul Gandhi for further questioning, while Sonia Gandhi has requested exemption on health grounds. The political and judicial narrative around this case could be central to India’s political discourse for months to come.
