ED may summon Rahul Gandhi again for National Herald money laundering probe
New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is expected to summon Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, for further questioning in its ongoing money laundering investigation related to the National Herald newspaper. According to sources, the ED aims to conclude its probe, which has already led to the attachment of assets worth ₹751 crore.
Rahul Gandhi, who was previously interrogated by the agency for nearly 40 hours in June 2022, may face another round of questioning. The ED's investigation focuses on the financial transactions of Young Indian Pvt Ltd (YI), a company in which both Rahul Gandhi and his mother Sonia Gandhi hold majority stakes. The probe also examines the acquisition of Associated Journals Ltd (AJL) by YI and the ₹90.21 crore loan given by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) to AJL.
The ED's findings suggest that a criminal conspiracy was orchestrated to transfer control of properties worth "hundreds of crores of rupees" from AJL to the "beneficial owners" of YI, Rahul and Sonia Gandhi. The agency has alleged that the same individuals held key positions in AJL, YI, and AICC, facilitating the transactions.
In response, Congress has consistently denied any wrongdoing, arguing that the financial decisions were made to save the National Herald newspaper and protect the jobs of its staff. The party has accused the central government of using the ED to target the Gandhi family for political reasons.
The case has been ongoing, with AJL challenging the attachment of properties before the appellate tribunal for forfeited property (ATFP). As the ED seeks to finalize its investigation, it remains uncertain whether Sonia Gandhi will also be called for additional questioning.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Shivakumar’s CM aspiration natural, high command will decide: Parameshwara
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said on Saturday that Deputy CM D K Shivakumar, as the state Congress president, naturally aspires to become chief minister. However, he added that the final decision rests with the party's high command.
Amid ongoing speculation about a leadership change within the ruling Congress, he wished Shivakumar "good luck".
"I have always wished him so. There is nothing else; we are good friends. He is the PCC (Pradesh Congress Committee) president, and naturally, he has an aspiration to become the chief minister. Nobody can object to it. But it all depends on what the high command decides,” Parameshwara said in response to a question regarding Shivakumar’s aspiration for the CM post.
Speaking to reporters, he said, “Don’t always go back to the CM issue. Please understand there is nothing that I can tell you about it. If I were part of the decision-making body or inside the decision-making body, I could definitely provide information.”
Supporters of Shivakumar have been insisting on his elevation in line with a reported power-sharing agreement with chief minister Siddaramaiah when the party won the 2023 Assembly elections. Some have even claimed that "sweet news" is expected by May 15, which is Shivakumar’s birthday.
Speculation has been circulating within the Congress and political circles about a possible leadership change and cabinet reshuffle after May 4, once the results of the Assembly elections in four states and one union territory, along with bypolls to two Assembly segments in Karnataka, are announced.
However, AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge said on Thursday that there is no CM change in Karnataka "for now" and that the leadership issue in the state will be resolved soon.
On Friday, he said no date has been fixed yet to discuss a possible leadership change, while maintaining that any decision in this regard would be taken collectively by the party high command after due consultation.
Meanwhile, Parameshwara met senior Congress leader and MLC B K Hariprasad and Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan over dinner on Friday. Hariprasad had met Siddaramaiah earlier in the day.
Responding to a question about discussions at the dinner, as his name is also being mentioned for the chief minister post amid calls for a "Dalit CM", the home minister said there was no discussion about the chief minister issue.
“Hariprasad told me that he met the CM, but he did not disclose what was discussed between them. Hariprasad, Zameer Ahmed Khan, and I met over dinner, and we discussed the elections held in four states and one union territory. We analysed the national-level political situation and naturally discussed the state’s political developments,” he said.
When asked if he would travel to New Delhi to meet the party high command, Parameshwara said, “I will definitely go to Delhi. Nobody can stop me from going there. I will go when it is required.”
