Congress protests outside ED office in Bhubaneswar over notice to Rahul, Sonia

Congress leaders, along with party workers, on Monday protested outside the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office in Bhubaneswar as their leader Rahul Gandhi was being questioned by the agency in connection with the National Herald case.

Odisha PCC President Sarat Patnaik lead Congress leaders’ march from CRP Chowk to the regional ED office. The march was joined by former PCC chief Niranjan Patnaik, senior Congress leaders Narasingha Mishra, Tara Prasad Bahinipati, Ramesh Jena, Jayadev Jena and MLA Suresh Routray.

“This is completely unconstitutional. They are misusing the power of ED, it is not a good sign for democracy. The BJP should withdraw case against Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi,” Odisha PCC President Sarat Patnaik said.

“If they think Congress will be suppressed then they are wrong, all the workers stand together with Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi,” OPCC chief added.

Earlier today, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi appeared before the ED in the national capital for questioning in the National Herald money laundering investigation.

The Enforcement Directorate will record the statement of the Lok Sabha member from Wayanad in Kerala under the criminal sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The probe pertains to alleged financial irregularities in the party-promoted Young Indian that owns the National Herald newspaper.

Rahul Gandhi was earlier summoned to appear before the ED on June 2 but couldn't as he was abroad.