Congress accuses Centre of 'vendetta politics' after new FIR
What's the story
The Congress party has accused the Centre of "vendetta politics" after a fresh FIR was filed against its leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. The Delhi Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) registered the case on October 3, based on a complaint by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in its money laundering probe into the National Herald case. The FIR includes charges under IPC sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 403 (dishonest misappropriation of property), 406 (criminal breach of trust), and 420 (cheating).
Accused list
Congress leaders named in FIR
The FIR names several individuals and entities, including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Suman Dubey, Sam Pitroda, Young Indian (YI), Dotex Merchandise Ltd., its promoter Sunil Bhandari and Associated Journals Ltd. Most of these were already mentioned in the ED's chargesheet filed before a Delhi court in April. The next hearing for this case is scheduled for December 16.
Allegations detailed
ED's allegations against Young Indian
The ED alleges that Young Indian, which is majority-owned by Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, purchased AJL properties worth over ₹2,000 crore for just ₹50 lakh. The agency claims this was done through "bogus rents" and "sham advertisements." It also alleges that Sonia Gandhi misused her position as former Congress president for personal benefits.
Counterarguments
Congress leaders dismiss allegations as politically motivated
Congress leaders have dismissed these allegations as politically motivated and part of a larger campaign to target their top leadership. Senior Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi likened the FIR to "neither wine new nor bottle new nor glasses new," calling it "a one-trick wonder where no money moved, no immovable property transferred, yet money laundering is invented." Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha member Jairam Ramesh wrote on social media: "The National Herald matter is a completely bogus case. Justice will ultimately triumph."
Twitter Post
Jairam Ramesh's post on X
The Modi-Shah duo is continuing with its mischievous politics of harassment, intimidation, and vendetta against the top leadership of the INC. Those who threaten are themselves insecure and afraid.
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) November 30, 2025
The National Herald matter is a completely bogus case. Justice will ultimately…