Congress Slams Centre for ‘Vendetta Politics’ After New FIR Against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi

The Congress on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Centre after the Delhi Police filed a fresh FIR against party leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and several others in connection with the National Herald case. The opposition party called the move a continuation of the Centre’s “harassment and intimidation” tactics ahead of key elections.

Taking to X, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh wrote:
“The Modi-Shah duo is continuing with its mischievous politics of harassment, intimidation, and vendetta against the top leadership of the INC… The National Herald matter is a completely bogus case. Justice will ultimately triumph. Satyameva Jayate.”

Senior leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi echoed the sentiment, calling the FIR a repetitive and politically motivated step:
“Neither wine new nor bottle new nor glasses new… No money moved, no immovable property transferred, yet money laundering is invented.”

Details of FIR and Charges Filed

The FIR—filed on October 3 by the Delhi Police Economic Offences Wing (EOW)—is based on a complaint by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) as part of its ongoing money laundering investigation.

Charges include:

• IPC 120B – Criminal conspiracy

• IPC 403 – Dishonest misappropriation of property

• IPC 406 – Criminal breach of trust

• IPC 420 – Cheating

Those named in the FIR include:

• Sonia Gandhi

• Rahul Gandhi

• Suman Dubey

• Sam Pitroda

• Young Indian (YI)

• Dotex Merchandise Ltd

• Dotex promoter Sunil Bhandari

• Associated Journals Ltd (AJL)

• Other unnamed individuals

Many of these names already appear in the ED chargesheet filed before a Delhi court. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for December 16.

ED’s Allegations

The Enforcement Directorate alleges that Young Indian, majority-owned by Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, acquired AJL properties valued at over ₹2,000 crore for just ₹50 lakh, allegedly generating bogus rents and sham advertisements. The ED has also claimed that Sonia Gandhi “abused” her post as former Congress president.

The case traces back to Subramanian Swamy’s 2014 complaint, which accused the Gandhis and associated entities of financial irregularities in the handling of National Herald assets.

Congress insists the case is a politically motivated attempt to weaken the party’s leadership and undermine opposition voices as elections approach.