National Herald case: Congress accuses BJP of 'attacking democracy' as ED summons Gandhis

As Enforcement Directorate (ED) summoned Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in National Herald case, senior Congress leers came in strong support of Gandhis, saying that this is being done out of political vendetta to deflect attention of citizens from issues like inflation.

However, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi will cooperate with agencies and will respect summons, Congress leers said. Notably, Sonia and Rahul Gandhi have been alleged to have conspired to cheat and misappropriate funds. Young Indian Pvt. Limited paid only Rs.50 lakh to obtain right to recover Rs.90.25 crore that Associated Journals Limited owed to Congress, according to Dr Subramanian Swamy, who filed a private criminal complaint.

Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi revealed that Sonia Gandhi will appear before agency on June 8. Explaining details of case, he remarked, " fake issue of AJL is an attempt by BJP's propaganda machinery to deviate, diverge and digress attention of citizens from multifarious vital issues of inflation, falling GDP, social unrest and social divisiveness in this country. By targeting National Herald every now and n, BJP has in fact disgraced, disrespected and dishonoured freedom fighters, stalwarts of this nation and ir contribution to freedom struggle where incidentally this particular party or its predecessors h absolutely no role to play. This is truly a very weird case." 

'BJP is playing with democracy'

Senior Congress leer Rashid Alvi even likened action of sending summons to Gandhis with Pakistan. "Why Prime Minister is not ordering police, ED to arrest Rahul and Sonia Gandhi ? Why are you making this as a news on TV channels ? All opposition leers are corrupt and all ruling party leers are honest. (Doodh mein dhule hue hain). ruling party is playing with democracy of this country. This has happened in Pakistan, where every ruler has put his predecessor behind bars. This is very unfortunete, i strongly condemn action. Sonia and Rahul Gandhi are very respectable leers of country and you have come down to this level. It is very unfortunate."

'Why Karnataka ministers are not chased by central agencies?' asks Dr Sankar Guha

"Congress is not crying foul and all possible cooperation is being given to agencies," said Dr Sankar Guha, General Secretary, Karnataka Presh Congress Committee.

He furr ded, " Gandhis are rey to face any investigation. Let truth come out and let nation know truth.  biggest achievement of this government has been misuse of all government agnecies in last 8 years. Why isn't same treatment being given to ministers of Government of Karnataka? Minister Eshwarappa h resigned on allegations of taking 40 per cent commission. Why no ED, CBI behind m ? Eshwarappa's bror Ashwath Narayan h accepted to taking Rs 80 lakh in a PSI scam. re are so many or aspects to be discussed like inflation but government out of personal vendetta is taking action against Congress leers."

In Maharashtra, Sanjay Nirupam called on people to come to streets to oppose notice to Rahul and Sonia Gandhi. He said, "PM Modi and BJP are taking help from central agencies to harass opposition leers. Congress will uproot BJP, y can put ED and CBI behind us. Our leers are law abiding citizens. y will respect summons and present mselves before ED."

Image: ANI / PTI