Bansuri Swaraj Brings ‘National Herald Loot’ Bag to JPC Meet on Polls | Political Drama Unfolds

Introduction

In a striking political gesture, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj arrived at the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) meeting on ‘One Nation, One Election’ carrying a black tote bag emblazoned with the words “National Herald Ki Loot” in bold red letters. This act has reignited the political discourse surrounding the National Herald case, involving senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. The move has been interpreted as a direct attack on the Congress party, bringing the longstanding controversy back into the limelight.​

Background : The National Herald Case

The National Herald case centers around allegations of financial impropriety involving the acquisition of Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the publisher of the National Herald newspaper, by Young Indian Private Limited, a company in which Sonia and Rahul Gandhi hold significant stakes. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet accusing the Gandhis and others of money laundering and misappropriation of assets worth over ₹2,000 crore. The Congress party has consistently denied any wrongdoing, labeling the investigation as politically motivated.​

Bansuri Swaraj’s Statement

Upon entering the Parliament Annexe for the JPC meeting, Bansuri Swaraj addressed the media, stating, “This is the first time that corruption has taken place in the fourth pillar of democracy—media. The charge sheet filed by the ED highlights the old working style and ideology of the Congress party. In the guise of service, they make public institutions a tool to increase their personal property. This is a very serious matter…The Congress party and its top leadership are accountable for this.” ​

Political Reactions

The Congress party has dismissed Swaraj’s actions as a publicity stunt aimed at diverting attention from pressing national issues. Party spokespersons reiterated their stance that the National Herald case is a manifestation of the ruling party’s vendetta politics. Meanwhile, BJP leaders have lauded Swaraj’s move as a bold statement against corruption, emphasizing the need for accountability among political leaders.​

The JPC Meeting on ‘One Nation, One Election’

The JPC meeting, chaired by BJP MP P.P. Chaudhary, was convened to discuss the feasibility of implementing simultaneous elections across the country. The meeting featured inputs from legal luminaries, including former Supreme Court judge Hemant Gupta, former Law Commission chairman B.S. Chauhan, and senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi. Swaraj’s symbolic protest added a layer of political tension to the proceedings.​

Media Coverage and Public Perception

Swaraj’s act garnered extensive media coverage, with news outlets highlighting the visual impact of her protest. Social media platforms buzzed with discussions, with supporters praising her for taking a stand against alleged corruption, while critics accused her of undermining the seriousness of parliamentary proceedings.