17 December 2025 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : The Congress party has intensified its attack on the BJP-led central government, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah after what it described as “major relief” in the National Herald case. The opposition party claimed that recent legal developments have vindicated its long-held stand that the case was politically motivated.
Addressing a press conference, senior Congress leaders accused the ruling government of misusing central investigative agencies to target political opponents. They asserted that the relief granted by the court exposed what they called a “campaign of vendetta” aimed at weakening the Congress leadership.
Background of the National Herald Case
The National Herald case pertains to alleged financial irregularities involving Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the company that publishes the National Herald newspaper. The case has remained a politically sensitive issue for years, with the BJP repeatedly accusing the Congress leadership of wrongdoing, while the latter has consistently denied all charges.
Congress leaders have maintained that the case is baseless and driven by political considerations rather than legal merit. The recent relief, according to the party, reinforces their argument that the allegations lack substance.
Congress Goes on the Offensive
Following the court relief, Congress spokespersons stated that the government owes the nation an explanation. They demanded that Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah take moral responsibility for what they described as the misuse of institutions.
“The truth is coming out. Investigative agencies were weaponised to harass political rivals,” a senior Congress leader said, adding that the case was part of a broader pattern of intimidation against opposition parties.
The Congress further alleged that such actions have damaged India’s democratic fabric and eroded public trust in independent institutions.
Allegations of Misuse of Agencies
A key element of the Congress’s argument is the alleged misuse of enforcement and investigative bodies. The party claimed that agencies were pressured to pursue cases selectively, targeting opposition leaders while ignoring alleged wrongdoing within the ruling party.
Congress leaders argued that the relief in the National Herald case demonstrates that courts continue to act as guardians of constitutional values, even as political pressures increase.
Political Reactions and Counterclaims
The BJP, however, dismissed the Congress’s demands as “political theatrics.” Party leaders reiterated that the law takes its own course and that no individual is above legal scrutiny.
They accused the Congress of attempting to politicise judicial proceedings and mislead the public. According to BJP leaders, the case is still subject to legal processes and cannot be declared closed or vindicated prematurely.
Opposition Unity and Narrative
The Congress’s strong reaction is also being viewed in the context of broader opposition efforts to project unity against the BJP. Party leaders believe the issue underscores the need to resist what they describe as authoritarian tendencies and the centralisation of power.
Several opposition figures echoed similar concerns, calling for greater accountability and institutional independence.
Legal Experts Urge Caution
Legal experts have cautioned against drawing sweeping political conclusions from interim reliefs or procedural developments. They note that court relief does not automatically imply innocence or guilt and that cases often evolve over time.
Nonetheless, analysts agree that the political implications of such cases are significant, particularly in a charged electoral environment.
Impact on Political Discourse
The renewed war of words over the National Herald case is expected to sharpen political rhetoric in the coming weeks. With elections on the horizon in several states, both the ruling party and the opposition are likely to use the issue to mobilise their respective bases.
The Congress aims to project itself as a victim of political persecution, while the BJP is expected to maintain its stance on accountability and transparency.
Conclusion
The Congress’s demand for the resignation of Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah marks a sharp escalation in political confrontation following relief in the National Herald case. As legal proceedings continue, the issue is set to remain a flashpoint in India’s already polarised political landscape.
Summary
After court relief in the National Herald case, the Congress has demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging misuse of investigative agencies for political vendetta.