INVC Political Desk l
In a major political development that could shake up the corridors of power in Delhi, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet against senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the high-profile National Herald money laundering case. The ED has submitted a detailed prosecution complaint under Sections 44 and 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 in Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court.
The court is set to hear the matter on April 25, marking a critical juncture in the decade-old case that has dogged the Gandhi family.
The chargesheet doesn’t stop at the Gandhis—it also includes names of veteran Congress figures such as Sam Pitroda and Suman Dubey, both former aides and loyalists of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty.
What Is the National Herald Case?
The National Herald newspaper, once a mouthpiece of India’s freedom struggle, was founded by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1938. Published by Associated Journals Ltd (AJL), it ceased operations in 2008 due to financial constraints.
In 2010, the Gandhis floated a new company—Young India Pvt Ltd (YIL)—in which Sonia and Rahul Gandhi each held a 38% stake. BJP leader Subramanian Swamy filed a complaint in 2012 alleging that YIL acquired AJL’s real estate assets worth over ₹2000 crore for just ₹50 lakh—a move he termed as “fraud and criminal breach of trust.”
According to ED, this acquisition was not only irregular but constituted a serious violation of financial and legal norms. The assets included real estate properties in Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, and Bhopal.
The Political Fallout
As the 2024 Lok Sabha elections loom, this development could further weaken the Congress party’s position. Political observers believe that this case may prove to be a key flashpoint in national politics, especially at a time when opposition unity is already fractured.
Sources within the Enforcement Directorate claim that they are also in the process of attaching properties linked to the Young India-AJL deal.
Meanwhile, Congress spokespersons have termed the move as a “political vendetta”, alleging that the BJP is misusing central agencies to target opposition leaders before the elections.
What Happens Next?
If the court takes cognizance of the chargesheet on April 25, it could lead to summons, asset seizure, or even custodial interrogation of the Gandhis—depending on the court’s findings and further evidence.
