The Congress on Wednesday backed Rahul Gandhi’s allegation that the National Herald case was “100 per cent vendetta by the PM’s office” by dishing out details of how the case was closed by the Enforcement Directorate until it was opened again by the “BJP Government”. The principal Opposition party also alleged that the ED Director was transferred in the BJP’s pursuance of a “political agenda” against the Gandhis.
Giving clear indications that Parliament will be held up by protests and the GST blocked in the days to come, the Congress held a series of briefings for the media, some of them off the record.
In the evening, senior advocates and party leaders Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi held a special briefing for party MPs to “educate” them on the National Herald case. The signals from the Congress were clear – no legislative business at least till December 19, when the Gandhis are to appear before the trial court. The winter session ends on December 23.
Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi maintained that the case was political, terming it “one hundred per cent pure political vendetta”. He accused the government of threatening the judiciary. “Who is threatening judiciary, we all know (sic),” he added.
Congress leaders maintained that the government spoiled a chance for consensus over crucial legislations. They said it was not a mere court case, but a government manipulation of the investigation to suit its political interests. Azad said a notice had been sent by ED to the trustees of the “non-profit making” body, but the investigating agency later decided to close the matter in August this year after finding nothing substantial.
“The ED saw reason and its Director decided to close the matter in August this year. But soon after, the government replaced the ED Director,” Azad said and added that the government reopened the case on the instructions of Swamy.
He reiterated his argument that not just Congress leaders, but leaders of other Opposition parties are also targeted under the Modi regime. He got support from Trinamool Congress, whose leaders are embroiled in the Saradha scam.
The Left parties said both the Congress and the BJP have been using federal investigating agencies against political opponents. “CBI and such agencies should be brought under independent systems such as Lokpal. Both the BJP and the Congress are on the same side of the coin in this. Both of them should discuss each other and should allow the House to function,” CPI(M) Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha KN Balagopal said.