By Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday intensified his attack on the Narendra Modi-led government, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah after a court declined to take cognisance of an Enforcement Directorate (ED) case. Kharge alleged that the development once again exposed what he described as the misuse of central investigative agencies to target opposition leaders for political gains.
Addressing party leaders and the media, Kharge said the court’s decision raised serious questions about the credibility and intent of the ED’s actions. He accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of running a “politics of intimidation” by selectively deploying agencies against its political opponents.
Court’s Observation Triggers Political Storm
The controversy erupted after a court refused to take cognisance of a chargesheet filed by the ED in a high-profile case, citing procedural lapses and lack of legal standing at the current stage. While the court did not comment on the merits of the allegations, the decision became a rallying point for the opposition, which has long claimed that central agencies are being weaponised.
Kharge argued that repeated judicial setbacks to ED and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) cases point to a pattern of hasty and politically motivated prosecutions. “If the agencies were acting independently and professionally, such embarrassments before courts would not occur,” he said.
Allegations of Misuse of Investigative Agencies
The Congress president reiterated that over the past several years, opposition leaders across parties have faced ED raids, summons, and arrests, often coinciding with elections or major political developments. He claimed that despite the aggressive actions, conviction rates remain low, reinforcing the charge that cases are filed more for harassment than justice.
Kharge also cited previous instances where courts granted bail or dismissed cases due to lack of evidence, saying these outcomes weaken public trust in investigative institutions. According to him, the responsibility for protecting the autonomy of these agencies lies with the Prime Minister and the Home Minister.
Demand for Accountability at the Highest Level
Taking his criticism a step further, Kharge demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah, arguing that moral responsibility must be fixed when constitutional institutions are allegedly misused. “When agencies function under political pressure, the accountability goes to the top,” he said.
He asserted that democratic norms require transparency and restraint in the use of state power, especially against political rivals. The Congress leader maintained that resignations would send a strong message about respect for democratic values and the rule of law.
BJP Rejects Charges, Defends ED
The BJP strongly rejected Kharge’s allegations, calling them baseless and politically motivated. Party leaders argued that investigative agencies function independently and act only on evidence and legal procedures. They accused the Congress of attacking institutions whenever legal action is taken against its leaders.
According to BJP spokespersons, the court’s refusal to take cognisance at one stage does not amount to a clean chit and that investigations can proceed after addressing procedural issues. They also claimed that opposition parties are attempting to undermine institutions to escape accountability.
Broader Implications for Indian Politics
The episode has once again highlighted the growing trust deficit between the government and the opposition over the functioning of central agencies. With general elections approaching, such confrontations are expected to intensify, shaping political narratives around democracy, federalism, and institutional independence.
Political analysts note that while courts act as arbiters in legal matters, the political fallout often extends far beyond the courtroom. The debate over agency misuse has become a recurring theme in Indian politics, influencing public discourse and voter perceptions.
Conclusion
Kharge’s demand for the resignation of Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah marks a sharp escalation in the opposition’s campaign against the Centre. While the government has dismissed the आरोप as unfounded, the court’s decision has provided fresh ammunition to critics questioning the use of investigative agencies. As the legal process continues, the political battle over accountability and institutional integrity is likely to remain at the forefront of national debate.
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