Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal has strongly criticized the Congress party following reports of vandalism at Enforcement Directorate (ED) offices by its party workers. Addressing the media, Meghwal questioned whether senior leaders like Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi consider themselves above the law, while also emphasizing the need for upholding the dignity of democratic institutions.
"Does the law not apply to Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi?" Meghwal asked pointedly. "When ordinary citizens are expected to respect the law, why should political leaders or their supporters be allowed to damage public property and obstruct investigations?"
The alleged incident occurred during a protest organized by Congress in response to the ED’s summons and ongoing investigations into financial matters linked to party leaders. According to reports, several Congress supporters engaged in aggressive behavior near the ED office premises, with some vandalizing public property and attempting to disrupt the agency's operations.
Meghwal called the actions "a direct attack on India's legal and democratic framework." He added that such behavior from a national party is unacceptable and warrants strict legal scrutiny. “Agencies like the ED are working under the law. If there is any grievance, legal routes exist. Taking to the streets and resorting to vandalism only weakens the democratic process,” he said.
He also accused the Congress leadership of instigating the unrest, indirectly hinting that the protest was not spontaneous but politically motivated. Meghwal urged law enforcement agencies to identify and arrest those responsible for damaging government property and interfering with official duties.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has consistently defended central agencies like the ED and CBI, which have been investigating alleged irregularities involving opposition leaders. The Congress, on the other hand, has accused the BJP-led government of misusing these agencies for political vendetta. The two parties remain sharply divided on the issue.
Meanwhile, the Congress party has denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the protests were peaceful and aimed at resisting political persecution. However, videos and eyewitness accounts of stone-pelting and property damage have raised questions about the conduct of some protestors.
Legal experts state that under Indian law, vandalizing public offices can invite serious charges under sections relating to unlawful assembly, rioting, and damage to government property.
With tensions rising in the political landscape ahead of the upcoming elections, this incident is likely to fuel further debate about the balance between protest rights and respect for rule of law.
