Synopsis
A case has been filed against Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and others following a court order on the now-scrapped electoral bonds scheme. The complaint alleges extortion disguised as the scheme, benefiting by over Rs 8,000 crore. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and BJP leaders have exchanged remarks on the issue.
ET OnlineA case has been registered against Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and several others following a court order related to the now-scrapped electoral bonds scheme. According to PTI, police confirmed on Saturday that an FIR was filed under relevant sections of the law. The complaint was lodged by Adarsh R. Iyer, Co-President of ‘Janaadhikaara Sangharsha Parishath‘ (JSP), who alleged that the accused engaged in extortion disguised as the electoral bonds scheme, allegedly benefiting by over Rs 8,000 crore.
The complaint further claimed that Sitharaman, with the covert assistance of Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials, facilitated the extortion of thousands of crores for the benefit of various individuals at both state and national levels.
According to the complainant, cited by PTI, “the entire extortion racket under the garb of electoral bonds has been orchestrated hand in glove with officials of BJP at various levels.”
In February, the Supreme Court struck down the electoral bond scheme, stating that it violated citizens’ right to information and freedom of speech under the Constitution. In light of this, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who is facing calls for his resignation due to an FIR related to the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment case, remarked, “If we follow the BJP’s logic, then Nirmala Sitharaman should also resign.”
In response, JD(S) leader and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy questioned, “Why should Nirmala Sitharaman resign? Has electoral bond funds gone to Nirmala Sitharaman’s personal account to resign? Has she misused power and benefited herself like you (Siddaramaiah)?”
Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly and BJP leader R. Ashoka defended Sitharaman, arguing that the Congress party lacks the moral authority to criticise her. He stated, “There can be no comparison between the electoral bond issue and the MUDA case against Siddaramaiah. The Supreme Court has already ruled on the electoral bond matter, and our leader will take necessary action regarding the FIR. How can you compare a case where you used government land for personal gain to the electoral bonds issue?”
Inputs from PTI
( Originally published on Sep 28, 2024 )
