ed-must-be-abolished-sp-supremo-akhilesh-yadav

Amid a renewed political storm over the National Herald case, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday strongly criticised the Enforcement Directorate (ED), suggesting it should be abolished.

 

Yadav's statement came a day after the ED filed a prosecution complaint against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and others in a Delhi court.

 

Speaking at a press conference, the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister questioned the need for the ED when institutions like the Income Tax Department and the GST authorities already exist to handle economic offences. He said the ED’s presence reflects a lack of trust in these other agencies.

 

Yadav further added that several political parties, including his own, had opposed the creation of the ED during the Congress-led government's tenure, warning that the very institution might later be used against them.

 

He pointed out that leaders in Maharashtra who spoke against the BJP were later targeted by agencies like the ED, CBI and Income Tax Department.

 

In his remarks, Yadav stated, “In my understanding, a department like ED must be abolished. I will also ask the Congress to demand the same. If such an agency exists, it means you do not trust your own mechanisms.”

 

The political row intensified after the ED filed its chargesheet in the National Herald money laundering case at Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court. Along with Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, other individuals named include Sam Pitroda and Suman Dubey. The case has been listed for arguments on April 25.

 

Responding to the development, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accused the BJP-led government of misusing central agencies to deflect public attention from pressing economic issues.

 

In a sharp post on social media, Kharge called the BJP government “desperate” and claimed that the targeting of opposition leaders was a tactic to distract from poor governance.

 

He wrote, “Your despotic Sarkar is hell-bent on targeting the Congress to whitewash its own sins. BJP’s economic mismanagement is spiralling out of control. Desperation is gathering steam. No vision, no solution, only diversion!”