In a significant development, a Bengaluru court has directed the registration of an FIR against Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, following allegations of extortion linked to the now-defunct electoral bonds scheme.
The complaint, lodged by Adarsh Iyer of the Janaadhikara Sangharsha Sanghatane, accuses Sitharaman and other unnamed associates of manipulating the electoral bonds to extort money. The Special Court for People’s Representatives mandated the FIR following these grave accusations.
Electoral bonds, introduced in 2018 by the Centre, were intended to ensure transparency in political funding by replacing anonymous cash donations with documented contributions. However, the scheme faced widespread criticism and scrutiny, culminating in its cancellation by the Supreme Court in February on grounds of being unconstitutional and infringing on the citizens’ right to information.
In light of the FIR, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has called for Sitharaman’s immediate resignation and emphasized the urgency of a thorough investigation within the stipulated three-month period. “An FIR against a sitting Union Minister underscores the severity of the allegations related to extortion via electoral bonds. Accountability must be upheld, starting with her resignation,” Siddaramaiah stated at a press conference.
