National Herald case: A story of political misuse, property misappropriation, and legal inquiry

The National Herald case raises serious concerns about the misuse of public property and political influence. Founded in 1937, the newspaper was never intended as personal property for the Nehru-Gandhi family. Many prominent freedom fighters and Congress leaders supported it for national service. However, in 2008, the publication shut down due to financial troubles. The Congress party then gave Rs 90 crore to Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the publisher—despite political parties being prohibited from donating to private entities.When AJL couldn’t repay the loan, a new company, Young Indian, was formed. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi each held 38% shares, and AJL’s shares were transferred to it. This gave Young Indian ownership of real estate properties worth thousands of crores in Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, Bhopal, and Patna. Although Young Indian claimed to be a non-profit, no charitable activities have been demonstrated.The Enforcement Directorate investigated under the Money Laundering Act and interrogated Congress leaders, including Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. The Rs 90 crore loan was reportedly written off for just Rs 50 lakh. With Sonia and Rahul out on bail, BJP questions: should the law not be allowed to act? Is this development or deception? Accountability is key.

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