Rahul Gandhi seeks postponement of ED questioning, cites mother Sonia's health as reason

UNI sources said Rahul wrote to the ED and sought deferment of questioning scheduled for Friday in view of Sonia Gandhi's health.

The Congress President is in the Ganga Ram hospital due to Covid-related issues and continues to be under observation.

Rahul Gandhi has been summoned again on Friday by the Enforcement Directorate even after being quizzed for 30 hours in a span of three days.

In a letter written to the probe agency, Rahul said he could not join the process of interrogation on Friday, and sought an extension for a few days to look after his mother.

What is the case?

The case relates to the ED probe into the alleged financial irregularities between Young Indian and Associated Journals Ltd (AJL), which publishes the National Herald newspaper.

As per the complaint filed in the court of the Metropolitan Magistrate, Associated Journals Limited (AJL) took an interest-free loan of Rs. 90.25 crore from Indian National Congress, which was not paid back.

Congress has maintained there is no money laundering involved and has called the summon a politically motivated move.

According to media reports, Rahul had told the ED during interrogation that late party leader Motilal Vora had overseen all the transactions related to the YI-AJL deal.

Gandhi was referring to the acquisition by Young India of Associated Journals Limited's assets worth hundreds of crores from Congress.

Sources in the ED told the Times of India that Rahul has denied having any knowledge about the transactions including loans and accommodation entry, which are being investigated by the ED for alleged money laundering.

It may be noted here that Sonia Gandhi and her son, former party chief Rahul Gandhi together have 76 per cent stake in YI.

The remaining portion was held by party leaders Vora and Oscar Fernandes (12 per cent each). However, both Vora and Fernandes passed away in December 2020 and September 2021, respectively.