Sun Apr 13 08:29:53 UTC 2025: ## ED Seizes Congress-Linked Properties; Sibal Calls it Assault on Democracy

**New Delhi, April 13, 2025** – Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Sunday condemned the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) seizure of ₹661 crore worth of properties linked to the National Herald newspaper, calling it a blatant attack on Indian democracy. The ED acted on a money laundering probe involving the Congress-controlled National Herald and Associated Journals Limited (AJL).

Notices were served on Friday, April 11th, to vacate properties in Delhi, Mumbai, and Lucknow. These properties, including the Herald House in Delhi, are currently used by the Congress party.

Sibal, a former Union Minister and independent MP, accused the BJP-led government of using investigative agencies to cripple the opposition. He argued that the 13-year delay in action suggests the real motive is to seize assets and paralyze the Congress party, leaving it financially incapacitated. He further criticized the government’s selective targeting of opposition figures, contrasting it with the lack of ED scrutiny against those who have joined the ruling party.

Sibal defended the National Herald’s history, emphasizing its role in the freedom movement and its financial struggles, which led to a loan from the Congress party. He clarified that neither Sonia Gandhi nor Rahul Gandhi personally own the seized properties, as these assets belong to the company.

The ED’s statement details the investigation, initiated in 2021 based on a 2014 complaint, alleging a fraudulent takeover of AJL properties and money laundering. The agency claims Young Indian, a company where Sonia and Rahul Gandhi hold majority shares, acquired AJL assets worth ₹2,000 crore for a mere ₹50 lakh. The ED alleges further proceeds of crime through bogus donations, rent, and advertisements. The agency maintains the investigation has been upheld by the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court.

The Congress party has dismissed the investigation as politically motivated vendetta. Sibal’s statement reflects the growing political tension surrounding the ED’s actions and their impact on the opposition.

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