National Herald Case: BJP Alleges ₹2,000 Cr Property Grab
BJP accuses Sonia and Rahul Gandhi of acquiring ₹2,000 crore in assets through Young Indian without personal investment.
BJP Intensifies Attack on Gandhis Over National Herald Allegations
In a fiery escalation of its ongoing battle with the Congress party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has renewed its accusations against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, alleging they attempted to acquire properties worth ₹2,000 crore through the National Herald venture—without spending a single rupee from their own pockets.
At a press briefing Friday, senior BJP leader and former Union minister Anurag Thakur challenged the Gandhis to seek fast-track court proceedings in the case, instead of dismissing the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) investigation as politically motivated. “If there’s nothing to hide, why not ask for swift disposal?” Thakur asked.
The comments come amid heightened political tension, with the Congress claiming the ED’s probe is part of a targeted campaign against its leadership.
Young Indian and the ₹2,000 Crore Question
At the heart of the controversy is Young Indian, a company in which Sonia and Rahul Gandhi jointly hold a 76% stake. According to Thakur, the Congress party provided Young Indian a ₹50 lakh loan, which the company used to acquire Associated Journals Limited (AJL)—the publisher of the National Herald, a legacy newspaper with deep ties to the Congress.
The BJP alleges that this transaction allowed the Gandhis to control assets worth nearly ₹2,000 crore, including prime real estate, under the guise of reviving a newspaper that now operates more symbolically than as a mainstream publication.
“Can a political party legally provide loans to a private entity controlled by its leaders?” Thakur questioned. “This is the Congress model of corruption—using political power to amass private gains.”
Ad Revenue Under the Scanner
Beyond the acquisition itself, BJP leaders are zeroing in on the flow of taxpayer money into the National Herald. Thakur claimed that Congress-ruled state governments have diverted public funds to the newspaper under the pretext of advertisement spending, effectively keeping the publication afloat.
“These states are not making charitable donations—they’re funneling government ad money into a party-affiliated platform with limited readership,” Thakur said, adding that these expenditures should be made public.
He pointed specifically to Himachal Pradesh, his home state, where the Congress is currently in power. “While they fail to deliver on major election promises, they’ve found funds for full-page ads in a paper barely read by the public,” he said. “Does anyone in Himachal even read National Herald anymore?”
Congress Pushes Back with Protests
In response to the ongoing probe and the BJP’s barbed commentary, the Congress has launched a series of nationwide protests. Party leaders maintain that the ED investigation is politically driven and part of a larger strategy to discredit its leadership.
Congress officials argue that the National Herald case is being used as a distraction from more pressing national issues, including inflation, unemployment, and governance lapses. Still, the BJP remains firm in its call for legal transparency and fiscal accountability.
Legal experts note that the courts have thus far denied any special relief to the Gandhis, though both remain out on bail. The ED’s case continues, with fresh developments expected in the coming weeks as further financial documents are examined.
What’s at Stake Politically?
With national elections looming in 2026, the National Herald case is fast becoming a political flashpoint. For the BJP, it offers a powerful narrative of alleged dynastic entitlement and misuse of public resources. For the Congress, it’s a rallying cry against what they call authoritarian overreach and the criminalization of opposition.
Analysts say the case could have long-term ramifications—not only for the individuals involved but also for broader debates about political financing, transparency, and the ethical use of party assets.
Conclusion: Scrutiny, Strategy, and the Shape of Indian Politics
As legal proceedings unfold and public opinion swings, the National Herald case highlights a deeper conflict within Indian politics—a clash not just between two rival parties, but between accountability and perception. Whether the courts ultimately rule in favor of one side or the other, the scrutiny around political transactions is sharpening. And for India’s voters, this could mark a turning point in how power, privilege, and propriety intersect in the corridors of democracy.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available reports and political statements. It does not constitute legal judgment or endorse any political party. Readers are encouraged to follow official court proceedings for verified updates.
source : The Economic Times