Congress Ramps Up Protests As Leaders Detained; Slams ED Chargesheet Against Gandhis

Congress workers protesting outside the party’s office on Wednesday were detained by police as the party intensified demonstrations against the Central government and federal agencies.

The protests come in response to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filing a chargesheet against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case.

The Congress Party has, however, organized nationwide protests, with several senior leaders taking the lead, condemning what they say is a politically motivated move by the ruling government.

Congress leader Supriya Shrinate directly blamed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling the ED’s action an example of ‘vendetta politics’.

“The truth is that this is PM Narendra Modi’s vendetta politics. We will face this in court. But you can see people’s anger, our workers’ anger. It shows that PM Narendra Modi is scared of our leaders and all the issues raised by us. He is scared of the Congress’ organizational structure. Rahul Gandhi is someone who is not scared of you. This is a bogus case. The issues raised by Rahul Gandhi have exposed you,” she told ANI.

Shrinate, however, questioned the basis of the charges, noting that no money or assets were exchanged.

“Our people are agitated, the public is agitated, Congress workers are agitated. In a 12-year-old false case, you remembered only on the last day to file a chargesheet. You invoked charges of money laundering in the chargesheet where not even 1 paisa was laundered, where not even one asset was transferred, where Young India is a non-profit organization,” she further added.

Congress Leader Sachin Pilot Reiterates Political Targeting Allegation

Echoing her remarks, Congress leader Sachin Pilot also reiterated the party’s view that the case is politically driven.

Pilot told reporters, “This is a politically motivated case. We have faith in the judicial system. We will fight it out legally. Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi have been purposefully targeted. This has been done to suppress the voice of the opposition.”

Congress spokesperson Ragini Nayak also criticized the Prime Minister, stating that central agencies become active whenever he feels threatened.

“When PM Modi is afraid, the police, CBI and ED come forward. They (ED and CBI) cannot even reach 95 percent of the conclusion on the cases against the opposition. How is it that a non-profitable organization with no salary, money, or purchase faces such a ridiculous accusation from the ED?” Nayak further questioned.

Also Read: Congress Stages Nationwide Protest After ED Charges Sonia, Rahul Gandhi In National Herald Case