Guwahati: Thunderous chants and fervent conviction filled the streets of Barpeta today as the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) district unit launched a vigorous protest against the National Herald case, branding it one of India’s most “shameful” political scams.
The demonstration, part of a nationwide stir by the BJP’s youth wing, targeted Congress leaders Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, alleging their involvement in the multi-crore scandal.
Outside the BJP office in Barpeta, saffron flags fluttered and slogans echoed as young karyakartas gathered in large numbers, their voices unified with one demand — justice.
The protest transformed the quiet street into a symbol of political awakening, with banners proclaiming “Corruption will not be tolerated” and “Punish the guilty in the National Herald scam.” BJYM Barpeta District President Dulal Das led the charge, flanked by Mandal Presidents and numerous youth workers, declaring, “This is not just a protest; this is a youth uprising against corruption. We demand the judiciary expedite the legal proceedings. Sonia and Rahul Gandhi cannot be above the law just because of their surname.”
The protest, initiated with a disciplined assembly, quickly escalated into a spirited demonstration. Slogans like “Gandhi parivaar ki loot ka hisaab do!” and “Rashtradrohiyon ko sazaa do!” resonated through the air, as young voices called for accountability over privilege. BJYM leaders accused the Gandhi family of orchestrating a fraudulent takeover of Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the former publisher of the National Herald newspaper.
Allegedly, the Congress party provided AJL with a loan exceeding ₹90 crore, only to later transfer its assets to Young Indian, a newly formed company in which Sonia and Rahul Gandhi hold a 76% stake.
“It’s daylight robbery disguised as party management,” a local youth leader asserted. “They used the Congress party like a private bank, AJL as their property basket, and Young Indian as their personal vault. This is not just a financial crime — it is a betrayal of public trust.”
Protesters brandished copies of documents and news clippings related to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe and court proceedings. “These aren’t accusations pulled out of thin air,” said BJYM’s legal coordinator. “The Enforcement Directorate has summoned both Sonia and Rahul. If they are innocent, why fear the investigation?”
Despite the intensity of emotions, the protest remained peaceful. Local police maintained a close watch, ensuring order while respecting the democratic right to protest, with no untoward incidents reported. The demonstration culminated in the submission of a memorandum to the Barpeta district administration, emphasizing the need for “dignified and swift legal action” and urging investigative agencies to uphold judicial integrity.
This protest in Barpeta was one spark in a fire spreading across the nation. BJYM units in various states launched similar demonstrations, all echoing the same theme: youth versus corruption. The timing is significant, with several state and national elections nearing, making this both a legal and political battleground. “When the law begins to question the high and mighty, they cry vendetta,” said Dulal Das. “But the people of India can see the truth. This is not vendetta politics — this is justice catching up.”
The protest concluded with the chanting of patriotic slogans like “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram”. The youth leaders also announced upcoming campaigns in colleges and community spaces to educate the masses about the National Herald case and why it matters. “Our movement doesn’t end today,” said a BJYM volunteer. “This is the beginning of a new era where youth refuse to stay silent while political elites exploit the nation.”
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