Winning Bizness Desk
Mumbai. An FIR has been registered against Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and others following a court directive, in connection with the now-defunct electoral bonds scheme. The case, filed on Saturday, charges Sitharaman along with Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials and BJP office-bearers at both state and national levels under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including section 384 (extortion), section 120B (criminal conspiracy), and section 34 (acts done by multiple persons in furtherance of common intention). This development has sparked significant political debate, adding another dimension to the ongoing clash between the BJP and opposition leaders.
Complaint filed by Janaadhikaara Sangharsha Parishath
The FIR stems from a complaint filed by Adarsh R. Iyer, Co-President of 'Janaadhikaara Sangharsha Parishath' (JSP), who alleged that the accused had orchestrated a scheme to extort over ₹8,000 crore under the pretext of electoral bonds. The complaint accuses Sitharaman and others of facilitating this through secret collaboration with ED officials, benefiting various parties at both state and national levels. The Supreme Court, earlier in February, struck down the electoral bond scheme, citing violations of the right to information and free speech under the Indian Constitution. Despite this, the controversy continues, drawing criticism from opposition leaders.
Resignation demanded
In response to the FIR, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah questioned why Sitharaman should not resign, referencing the BJP’s demands for his resignation in the MUDA site allotment case. JD(S) leader and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, however, defended Sitharaman, arguing that no personal benefit was involved in the case. Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly and BJP leader R. Ashoka dismissed the Congress’s comments, saying the Supreme Court had already ruled on the electoral bond issue, asserting that the comparison with Siddaramaiah's land allotment case was baseless. He emphasized that necessary legal action would be taken in response to the FIR.
