HYDERABAD: Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka on Thursday led a protest at the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office in Basheerbagh, Hyderabad, condemning the inclusion of Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the chargesheet related to the National Herald case.
Addressing party cadres during the protest organised by the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC), Bhatti Vikramarka alleged that the false cases filed by the BJP-led Union government were aimed at derailing the caste census across the country.
He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP were fearful of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s rising influence and the bold decisions made at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) plenary in Gujarat, including the demand to replace Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) with ballot paper.
“The BJP is trying to suppress democracy by misusing investigative agencies like the ED,” Bhatti Vikramarka charged, stating that the Gandhi family, which had made sacrifices for the nation, continued to enjoy the unwavering support of the Indian people.
Referring to Telangana’s own caste survey, he said that the Congress government had successfully conducted a detailed enumeration, revealing that Backward Classes constituted 56 percent of the state’s population. The data would guide equitable distribution of resources and implementation of welfare programmes.
He accused the BJP government of conspiring to prevent a national caste census as it could expose the disproportionate wealth enjoyed by a few corporate groups. “Modi fears that if a caste census is conducted across the country, the nation’s wealth – currently looted and handed over to his friends like Ambani and Adani – will have to be shared with the marginalised and backward communities,” he alleged.
Bhatti Vikramarka also reiterated the Congress’s demand, raised during the AICC plenary by party president Mallikarjun Kharge, for a return to ballot paper voting to restore public trust in the democratic process. “There is widespread suspicion over EVMs. The call to bring back ballot paper has shaken the BJP,” he said.
He said the ED’s action was part of a deliberate plan to defame and harass Rahul Gandhi, especially after his declaration to contest and campaign aggressively in Gujarat.
The Deputy Chief Minister questioned the legitimacy of the charges against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, asking whether collecting voluntary contributions to pay salaries and electricity bills at the National Herald was a crime. “Is it wrong to support journalists? The BJP should be exposed for using the ED to intimidate those who stand by the press,” he said.
He warned Congress workers against being demoralised by such tactics and said that the people of India stood firmly with the Gandhi family. “The BJP’s conspiracy to weaken Congress morale will fail. Congress workers will counter it with resolve and strength,” he declared.
He also stated that when the Congress returns to power at the Centre, it will reform institutions that are currently being misused for political vendetta and ensure they function democratically.
Calling on Rahul Gandhi to continue his fight against the anti-people policies of the BJP, Bhatti Vikramarka said, “Crores of people are standing with you. The country is with you in your battle to protect democracy.”