Opposition MPs Protest in Parliament Over National Herald Case

On Wednesday, opposition MPs staged a protest in Parliament regarding the National Herald case, accusing the government of political vendetta against the Gandhi family. Congress leaders, including D.K. Shivakumar and Mallikarjun Kharge, voiced their concerns about the government's actions, linking the publication to India's freedom struggle. They emphasized that the allegations lack basis and highlighted a recent court ruling that dismissed the Enforcement Directorate's complaint due to the absence of an FIR. This demonstration reflects ongoing tensions between the opposition and the ruling party over perceived political motivations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 17, 2025, 13:46 IST

Opposition Demonstration in Parliament

On Wednesday, several opposition lawmakers staged a protest within the Parliament premises regarding the National Herald case. Congress members were seen holding placards with the slogan "Satyamev Jayate; Victory of Truth!". Shashi Tharoor, a Congress MP, also participated in the demonstration against what he termed as the government's vindictive politics surrounding the National Herald issue. Earlier in the day, Congress leaders from Karnataka protested near the Gandhi statue at Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi, opposing the central government's decision to rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to VB-G Ramji, alongside the National Herald matter.

Statements from Key Leaders

During the protest, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar emphasized that the National Herald is closely linked to India's freedom struggle. He stated that the publication is a source of national pride, founded by Jawaharlal Nehru during the independence movement, and questioned the actions of central agencies in this context. Shivakumar asserted that justice has prevailed and urged the BJP to cease its vindictive politics.

Allegations of Political Vendetta

Meanwhile, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accused the ruling government of pursuing the National Herald case as a form of "political vendetta," claiming it was designed solely to harass the Gandhi family. Addressing the media on this issue, Kharge stated that the allegations lack any foundation and noted that no First Information Report (FIR) has been filed in this case. He reiterated that their slogan is 'Satyamev Jayate' and welcomed the recent court decision.

Court's Ruling on the Case

On Tuesday, a Delhi court declined to take cognizance of the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) prosecution complaint in the National Herald money laundering case. The court ruled that without an FIR for the scheduled (underlying) offense, no action could be taken under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).