Why are you carrying loot? Priyanka Gandhi fires back at BJP's tote bag swipe
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday responded sharply to BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj's attack involving a tote bag emblazoned with "National Herald Ki Loot", defending her family against recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) charges in connection with a money laundering case linked to the National Herald newspaper. Bansuri Swaraj, who is part of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on 'One Nation One Election', arrived at the meeting carrying the tote bag similar to the one Priyanka Gandhi was spotted holding inside Parliament premises during last year's Winter Session. advertisementThe Wayanad MP had triggered a controversy after she carried a bag with 'Palestine' written on it. The next day, she was seen holding another tote bag that had "stand with Bangladeshi Hindus and Christians" written on it.
Speaking to reporters about Swaraj's tote bag theatrics, Priyanka Gandhi said she had complimented Swaraj and had mockingly asked, "Are you carrying this loot?" Furthermore, Priyanka Gandhi also reiterated that the BJP was "misusing agencies for political purposes" and targeting opposition leaders selectively. "The people of this country understand what is happening. My husband was questioned for giving Rs 4 lakh to his mother seventeen years ago. What kind of investigation is this?" she asked. The Congress leader dismissed the ED's actions as timed with the elections and accused the BJP of orchestrating an "intimidation campaign" through central agencies. "Those who are questioned and then join the BJP suddenly find all charges against them disappear," Priyanka Gandhi added. advertisementWhile assuring that her family would "fully cooperate" with the ED, the Congress leader also expressed concern over her mother's health, stating that Sonia Gandhi had been subjected to prolonged questioning despite her age.Meanwhile, Bansuri Swaraj has described the National Herald case as one of "corporate abuse", alleging that properties worth Rs 2,000 crore were acquired for Rs 50 lakh through Young Indian Ltd, a company in which the Gandhis reportedly own 76 per cent shares. "The old Congress mindset is being exposed," news agency PTI quoted Swaraj as saying.The ED chargesheet, dated April 9, named former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and others in an alleged Rs 5,000-crore money laundering case. Both Sonia and Rahul Gandhi are currently out on bail, after courts dismissed their plea to quash the ED proceedings.
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