Ravi Shankar Prasad counters Congress claims; protests erupt nationwide as Sonia and Rahul Gandhi face first formal charges in money laundering case
New Delhi, April 16, 2025 – The Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) chargesheet against Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and others in the National Herald money laundering case has triggered a massive political face-off, with the Congress accusing the Modi government of political vendetta, and the BJP hitting back saying “the law is taking its course.”
Also Read: National Herald Case: ED Files Charsheet, This is What it Says
This is the first time the Gandhis have been formally charge-sheeted in the case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), which carries a punishment of up to seven years.
🗨️ BJP’s Ravi Shankar Prasad Dismisses Vendetta Charge
Speaking to the media, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad said the Gandhis were out on bail, had gone to both High Court and Supreme Court to get proceedings quashed but failed to secure relief.
Also Read:Justice BR Gavai To Be India’s Next Chief Justice, Swearing-In On May 14
“This case has been going on for four years. They haven’t given a satisfactory answer. Still, they cry vendetta,” he said.
🔥 Congress Protests Nationwide
Congress general secretary KC Venugopal called for nationwide protests, labelling the chargesheet as part of a “politics of intimidation and hatred” by the BJP. Protests were seen at the party’s Delhi HQ and across various states.
Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi added,
“This is all about timing. Gujarat convention just ended, Bihar polls are near, opposition unity is building. It’s fear politics. The BJP is scared.”
🗣️ Siddaramaiah: “Rahul Gandhi is a Nightmare for Modi Govt”
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called Rahul Gandhi a “nightmare” for the BJP, saying the charges were politically motivated:
“This isn’t just revenge against two individuals. It’s a message that dissent won’t be tolerated,” he posted on X.
📜 Background of the National Herald Case
The case revolves around the acquisition of Associated Journals Ltd. (AJL) by Young Indian, a company in which Rahul and Sonia Gandhi each hold a 38% stake. The ED alleges the Gandhis gained control over real estate assets worth ₹2,000 crore for a nominal ₹50 lakh, violating PMLA provisions.
The chargesheet invokes Sections 3, 4, 44, 45, and 70 of the PMLA, establishing money laundering and vicarious corporate liability.
Tags: National Herald case, ED chargesheet Gandhis, Sonia Gandhi Rahul Gandhi, Congress vs BJP, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Siddaramaiah, political vendetta, money laundering, ED PMLA case, Indian politics