The Congress on Tuesday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah after the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) chargesheet against Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and others in the National Herald case.

Labelling it a blatant act of vendetta politics, the grand old party also condemned the seizure of the newspaper’s assets as a “state-sponsored crime disguised as justice,” vowing to fight back against what it calls an attempt to silence its leadership.

In a fiery statement on X, Congress general secretary in charge of communication Jairam Ramesh accused PM Modi and Shah of orchestrating a campaign of intimidation. “Filing chargesheets against Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and others is nothing but the politics of vendetta gone wild,” Ramesh posted. “Seizing National Herald’s assets is a mockery of the rule of law.”

Hitting out at Shah, the Congress leader accused him of going “completely berserk.” He asserted that the Indian National Congress and its leadership refuse to be silenced, stating: “Satyameva Jayate.”

The ED’s chargesheet has accused the Congress leaders of money laundering under Sections 3 and 4 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

Alongside Sonia and Rahul, it names Congress figures Suman Dubey and Sam Pitroda. Special Judge Vishal Gogne reviewed the document for cognisance, scheduling further proceedings for April 25, with the filing handled by ED’s special public prosecutor, N.K. Matta.

Ramesh asserted that the Congress remains undeterred, promising, “We will not be silenced, and the truth will triumph.” The chargesheet reignites a long-standing legal battle tied to the National Herald, a newspaper associated with the Congress since India’s independence era.

The Delhi Rouse Avenue Court has scheduled a hearing for arguments on the ongoing National Herald case for April 25, 2025.

During a recent session, the presiding judge stated, “The present prosecution complaint shall next be taken up for consideration on the aspect of cognisance before this court on April 25, 2025, when the special counsel for the ED and the investigating officer will ensure the production of case diaries for the court’s examination.”

The prosecution complaint, lodged under Sections 44 and 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) of 2002, pertains to allegations of money laundering, as outlined in Section 3, in conjunction with Section 70, and is punishable under Section 4 of the same act, as per the report.

This case has garnered significant attention, following a complaint filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy against Congress leaders Sonia and Rahul, their associated companies, and other individuals involved.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has criticized the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government following recent violent protests in Murshidabad over the Waqf Amendment Act. Referring to the unrest, Adityanath said “Bengal is burning” while its Chief Minister remains “silent”.

Addressing a public meeting in Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh, the BJP leader remarked that “danda” — the Hindi term for a stick — is the only effective solution against rioters. Drawing comparisons, he claimed that prior to 2017, when BJP came to power in Uttar Pradesh, riots were a frequent occurrence in the state.

“Danda is the only treatment for rioters. You can see, Bengal is burning. The Chief Minister is silent. She is calling rioters ‘peace ambassadors’,” he stated during his speech.

Adding further, Adityanath used a Hindi proverb to reinforce his stance: “Laton ke bhoot baaton se kahan manne wale hain,” which loosely translates to “Those who respond only to force don’t understand words.”

The Uttar Pradesh CM accused the West Bengal administration of enabling violence under the guise of secularism. “In the name of secularism, they have given freedom to rioters. The government is silent. Such anarchy should be controlled,” he added.

These remarks come amid growing political tension over the Waqf Amendment Act, with opposition voices criticizing both state and central policies. The violence in Murshidabad has drawn widespread attention, placing the West Bengal government under scrutiny.

In a significant move aimed at asserting Tamil Nadu’s rights within the Indian federal structure, Chief Minister MK Stalin has constituted a high-level committee to examine and propose measures to enhance state autonomy. This step comes amid intensifying disputes between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led state government and the BJP-led central government, particularly over the administration of education and the role of the Governor.

The committee will be headed by retired Supreme Court Chief Justice Kurien Joseph and includes former civil servants Ashok Shetty and Mu Nagarajan. The primary objective is to review existing laws and suggest how powers once exclusively under state control—but later moved to the concurrent list—can be reclaimed. The aim, as declared by Stalin in the Assembly, is to uphold the rights of all Indian states while ensuring cooperative federalism.

Interim report by 2026, final recommendations by 2028

The panel is expected to deliver an interim report by January 2026 and its final recommendations by 2028. The scope includes recommending frameworks that enhance the functioning of state governments without compromising the unity of the nation.

Standoff over NEET and Governor’s actions

This initiative gains importance in the backdrop of Tamil Nadu’s ongoing resistance to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). The DMK has consistently opposed NEET, demanding the right to admit students to medical courses based on Class XII marks alone. The Assembly had twice passed a bill to this effect, only for it to be rejected by President Droupadi Murmu earlier this month.

The tension further escalated as the Supreme Court recently criticized Governor RN Ravi for withholding ten bills passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly, calling his delays “arbitrary” and “illegal.” These bills, now signed into law, include provisions limiting the Governor’s role in appointing Vice Chancellors to state universities.

Education autonomy and language policy dispute

Tamil Nadu has also demanded that education be removed from the concurrent list and reinstated as a state subject, reversing changes made via the 42nd Constitutional Amendment. The DMK argues that central control over education undermines regional diversity and federal values.

Another flashpoint is the three-language policy under the National Education Policy (NEP), which the DMK views as an attempt to impose Hindi. The state has historically followed a two-language policy, comprising Tamil and English. The DMK has also accused the central government of attempting to “blackmail” the state by threatening to withhold Rs 2,500 crore in education funds—a charge denied by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Political backdrop ahead of elections

These confrontations are unfolding as Tamil Nadu prepares for Assembly elections next year. The BJP, which has renewed its alliance with the main opposition AIADMK, is seeking to expand its presence in the state. Meanwhile, the DMK has voiced concern over the upcoming delimitation exercise, fearing it may reduce southern states’ parliamentary representation in favor of the Hindi-speaking north.