Congress Not Above the Law, Says BJP’s CR Kesavan Amid National Herald Case Developments

CR Kesavan

BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan on Wednesday accused the Congress party of defying the rule of law, following a fresh prosecution complaint filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and others in the National Herald money laundering case.

What Kesavan Say?

Kesavan said the Congress leadership cannot place itself above India’s constitutional framework. “Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, who are currently out on bail, may be above the rules of the dynastic Congress party—but not above Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Constitution,” he told the media.

Kesavan took a swipe at the party’s past, comparing today’s political scenario under Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the Emergency era under Indira Gandhi.

“This is not Indira Gandhi’s Emergency. This is Modi’s fair and fearless Bharat, where the law is equal for everyone,” he said.

He also accused Congress of trying to intimidate investigative agencies like the ED, suggesting that such resistance indicates the party is “trying to hide something.”

What Is the National Herald Case?

The National Herald case centers around allegations of money laundering and misuse of funds involving the Associated Journals Limited (AJL)—the publisher of the now-defunct National Herald newspaper—and Young Indian Pvt Ltd, a company controlled by Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.

The allegations were first raised by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy in 2012. He accused the Gandhis of misappropriating funds by taking over AJL’s assets—worth over ₹2,000 crore—through Young Indian, in which they reportedly hold majority shares.

The ED has been investigating the financial transactions and has already questioned several Congress leaders over the years. Sonia and Rahul Gandhi have both appeared before the agency during the probe.

Fresh Prosecution Complaint By ED

Earlier this month, the ED filed a prosecution complaint (similar to a charge sheet) in a special court, naming the Gandhis and several others in the case. This move signals that the agency believes it has gathered enough evidence to proceed with a formal trial.

The complaint is likely to increase legal pressure on the Congress leadership just ahead of the 2024 general elections, as the party continues to call the investigation a politically motivated witch-hunt.

Congress Reaction

The Congress party has repeatedly dismissed the allegations as a political vendetta aimed at silencing the opposition. Party spokespersons argue that there is no wrongdoing and that the transactions were legitimate and transparent.

Congress has also accused the BJP of misusing central agencies to target its leaders, especially ahead of crucial elections.

“Truth Will Prevail” – BJP Responds

Kesavan, however, countered that claim, “The Congress is resisting the law of the land. They should remember: truth triumphs, falsehood never does. Everyone must be held accountable for their actions,” he said.

As the case moves forward, all eyes will be on how the courts handle one of the most politically sensitive legal battles involving some of India’s most high-profile politicians.