Veteran Journalist’s Take on Kapil Sibal’s Response to ED Notices in National Herald Case
Renowned Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal made headlines on Sunday, April 13, 2025, with his scathing accusations against the government. In a bold move, Sibal accused the authorities of wielding probe agencies as weapons to “paralyse” the Congress party. The focal point of his critique was the Enforcement Directorate’s recent issuance of notices to seize immovable assets in the National Herald case, which he vehemently labeled as an “assault on democracy”.
Sibal’s words were not merely rhetoric or political posturing. They carried the weight of a seasoned politician who has witnessed the inner workings of the system up close. In a press conference, the seasoned advocate and Independent Rajya Sabha MP did not mince words, calling out the BJP for what he perceived as a calculated move to stifle opposition voices under the guise of legal proceedings.
The Enforcement Directorate’s actions, which involved serving notices to claim immovable assets valued at a staggering ₹661 crore, were met with fierce resistance from Sibal. These notices were strategically displayed at prominent locations, including Herald House in Delhi, Bandra(E) area in Mumbai, and the AJL building in Lucknow. The primary objective behind these notices was to gain possession of these properties, effectively crippling the operational capabilities of the Congress party.
In a poignant moment, Sibal questioned the timing of these notices and the underlying motivations behind them. “What is the offense? Why have you waited for 13 years?” he exclaimed, highlighting the suspicious nature of the government’s actions. His concerns resonated with a broader theme of political vendetta and power consolidation that seemed to permeate the entire ordeal.
The significance of National Herald, a publication with deep roots in India’s freedom struggle, was not lost on Sibal. He underscored the historical context of the newspaper, which was established by freedom fighters to propagate the ideals of a united India. The financial intricacies surrounding National Herald and its subsequent ownership by Young Indian Private Limited added layers of complexity to the narrative.
Sibal’s narrative was not just a defense of the Congress party; it was a plea for upholding the principles of democracy and justice. His words reverberated with a sense of urgency, warning of a slippery slope where opposition voices could be systematically silenced through legal maneuvers. The looming threat of media censorship and political retribution cast a shadow over the already tumultuous political landscape.
As a seasoned observer of Indian politics, Sibal’s insights carried a sense of gravitas that transcended mere partisan bickering. His critique of the government’s tactics, using agencies like the ED as pawns in a larger power play, struck a chord with those wary of the erosion of democratic values. The implications of these actions, if left unchecked, could have far-reaching consequences for the very fabric of India’s political ecosystem.
In conclusion, Kapil Sibal’s impassioned response to the ED notices in the National Herald case served as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between power and accountability in a democracy. His words carried the weight of experience and principle, urging citizens to remain vigilant in the face of encroaching authoritarianism. As the political drama unfolds, one thing remains certain: the battle for democracy is far from over.
