Political Theatre | Modi govt aims to drag Choksi home; ED tightens noose on Gandhis over National Herald case

By Admin

19 Apr, 2025

India's political landscape this week was nothing short of a gripping drama, with power, diplomacy, and legal heat converging to stage a riveting political theatre. The Modi government’s pursuit of fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi gained renewed momentum as he was finally arrested in Belgium, reigniting conversations about justice, international diplomacy, and the Centre's tough stance on economic offenders. At the same time, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) turned up the heat on the Gandhis in the National Herald case, sparking a political crossfire between the ruling BJP and opposition Congress.

Mehul Choksi’s Arrest: A Diplomatic Win or Headline Management?

The arrest of Mehul Choksi — wanted in the ₹13,000 crore Punjab National Bank fraud case — in Belgium marks a significant win for Indian investigative agencies. After years of elusive hideouts and failed extradition attempts, including the much-publicized Dominica episode in 2021, Choksi’s detention has been celebrated by BJP leaders as a triumph of Indian diplomacy. Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal called it a testament to the Modi government’s zero-tolerance policy towards fugitives, while Finance Minister Pankaj Chaudhary echoed similar sentiments.

But the Congress party has not held back in countering the narrative. Calling the arrest a mere “headline management” tactic, party leaders demanded answers on whether the actual defrauded money would be returned to the common people. The political tug-of-war continues, as Choksi plans to challenge the extradition process in Belgium.

ED Tightens the Noose: Gandhis Named in Chargesheet

Simultaneously, the Enforcement Directorate filed a chargesheet in the National Herald money laundering case, naming Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. The case revolves around the alleged misuse of funds through Associated Journals Limited (AJL), a company controlled by the Congress.

The Congress hit back hard, labeling the move “politics of vendetta.” Nationwide protests by Congress workers erupted, accusing the BJP of weaponizing agencies for political gain. On the flip side, BJP cadres also took to the streets, burning effigies of Rahul Gandhi and demanding accountability for what they allege is a long-standing corruption scandal.

Robert Vadra Under Scanner Again

Adding to the ED’s busy week, businessman Robert Vadra — husband of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra — was grilled for hours over three consecutive days in connection to a 2008 land deal in Haryana. The timing of these actions hasn’t gone unnoticed, especially as the country nears crucial elections.

Tensions Flare in West Bengal Over Waqf Act

In West Bengal, the political firestorm took a communal turn following violence linked to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The unrest in Murshidabad led to three deaths and the displacement of hundreds. As protests spiraled, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee distanced her government from the central legislation, refusing its implementation in the state.

This led to BJP's renewed demand for President's Rule in Bengal, citing a breakdown in law and order. Governor C V Ananda Bose’s visit to the riot-hit area — despite Banerjee's plea to postpone — only escalated tensions.

Global Spotlight: Hamas Pushes for a Peace Deal

While India battles its domestic political storms, global geopolitics continues to shift. In Gaza, Hamas proposed a full-scale ceasefire and hostage exchange deal, aiming to end the prolonged conflict with Israel. Though distant, such developments inevitably influence India’s foreign policy and security considerations, especially as the nation seeks greater diplomatic clout.

Conclusion

This week’s political developments highlight the deepening interplay of governance, law enforcement, and electoral strategy. As the Modi government pushes its narrative of zero corruption and strong diplomacy, the opposition questions the timing and motives behind legal actions. Whether this is a true crackdown on corruption or a carefully choreographed political spectacle remains the central question in India's ongoing political theatre.