Karnataka Congress Protests Nationwide Over National Herald Verdict

December 17, 2025

Belagavi (Karnataka), Dec 17, 2025: The Karnataka unit of the Indian National Congress staged state‑wide protests on Wednesday against the Centre over the National Herald case ruling, condemning what it calls “vindictive politics” and misuse of investigative agencies following a recent court order.

Protest Grounds: National Herald Case and Court Verdict

The demonstrations were held near the Gandhi statue at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi and extended to district and taluk centres across Karnataka, with leaders alleging harassment of senior Congress figures including Sonia and Rahul Gandhi.

The agitation follows a Delhi court decision refusing to take cognisance of the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) charge sheet against the Gandhis and others, associated with the National Herald company and money‑laundering allegations. Congress leaders have welcomed the verdict as justice prevailing over political vendetta.

Leaders Speak Out: Charges of Vindictive Politics

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar condemned the alleged tactics of central agencies, asserting the National Herald’s historical significance—established during India’s freedom movement—as a point of national pride. He also criticised the non‑provision of the FIR copy to party leaders and said the “image” of the ED had been tarnished.

Shivakumar and other Congress leaders tied the protest to broader grievances, including the Centre’s decision to rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) as VB‑G Ram G. They argue this move dilutes Gandhi’s legacy and represents political vendetta.

Wider Political Context and Party Response

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah echoed criticism of the central government, describing the court’s ruling as exposing alleged illegality and malafide intent behind the National Herald prosecution. He emphasised courage and dignity in defending democratic rights and reaffirmed the party’s resolve.

Meanwhile, senior party functionaries at the protests accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the Centre of targeting opposition leaders through overzealous investigations, while party ministers defended Congress actions and highlighted the historical significance of the welfare programme renamed by the Union government.

Implications and Broader Impact

The protests in Karnataka are part of a larger nationwide response from the Congress and its allies, including demonstrations in Parliament and other states, objecting to what they describe as systematic pressure on opposition leadership via central agencies.

Political analysts view the agitation as a continuation of heightened tensions between the central government and opposition parties ahead of the next general election cycle, with legal battles, public protests and courtroom decisions shaping the political narrative.