Congress leader Amit Chavda called the ED’s prosecution complaint politically motivated, alleging it was a diversionary tactic to shift focus from pressing national issues. Party MP Imran Pratapgarhi questioned the timing of the chargesheet, linking it to Congress’ mobilisation in Gujarat and elections looming in Bihar and Assam.
Pratapgarhi alleged the ED’s action was orchestrated to harass the Opposition and dismantle political resistance ahead of crucial polls. Sachin Pilot stated that Rahul and Sonia Gandhi were being deliberately targeted and reiterated the party’s confidence in the judiciary to resolve the matter fairly.
Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of vendetta politics, asserting that the charges stem from fear of Congress' growing organisational strength. Shrinate questioned the foundation of the ED’s money laundering case, highlighting that no assets or funds were transferred and that Young India, the organisation in question, is a non-profit.
Ragini Nayak echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that whenever the Prime Minister feels politically threatened, central agencies are deployed to suppress dissent. In Jharkhand, party workers led by state president Keshav Mahto Kamlesh staged a demonstration outside the ED’s zonal office, raising slogans against the BJP-led government.
Former Jharkhand Congress president Rajesh Thakur said the BJP’s actions were fuelled by fear of Rahul Gandhi’s rising influence and were part of an unsuccessful effort to silence him.
The ED stated that the chargesheet was officially filed on 9 April, reviving a case that has lingered for over a decade and continues to stir political unrest.
