NEW DELHI: Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, has said that an raid against him by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is imminent which is in response to his vocal criticism of the government's financial policies. During a press briefing, Gandhi claimed he received this information from reliable sources within the ED, stating, "I have been informed by insiders that a raid is imminent. This is an attempt to intimidate and silence me."

Gandhi's assertion follows his recent "Chakravyuh" speech in Parliament, where he sharply criticized the Union Budget, comparing it to the "Chakravyuh" from the Mahabharata—a complex trap designed to ensnare various sections of society. Gandhi argued that a "group of six" is creating an atmosphere of fear and trapping the entire country in a "Chakravyuh," which he vowed would be dismantled by the INDIA bloc.

In a related development, Congress MP Manickam Tagore submitted a notice to move an adjournment motion on "the BJP government's misuse of agencies like the ED, CBI, and Income Tax for political harassment." The motion aims to discuss the alleged use of central agencies to target political opponents. Senior Congress leaders have echoed Gandhi's concerns, accusing the ruling party of weaponizing investigative agencies to stifle dissent.

Participating in the debate on the 2024-25 Budget in the Lok Sabha, Gandhi reiterated that the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) would ensure the passage of a legal guarantee for MSP (Minimum Support Price) and a caste census.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has dismissed Gandhi's claims as baseless and politically motivated. BJP spokespersons suggested that Gandhi's allegations are an attempt to divert attention from other pressing issues. A BJP representative stated, "Rahul Gandhi is trying to create a smokescreen. There is no truth to his claims. The ED operates independently, and any action taken by them is based on evidence and due process."