A Bengaluru court has taken a significant step by ordering the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over allegations of extortion related to the now-defunct electoral bonds scheme. The complaint was filed by Adarsh Iyer from the Janaadhikara Sangharsha Sanghatane, who claimed that extortion was facilitated through these electoral bonds.
The Special Court for People’s Representatives in Bengaluru acted on the complaint and instructed the police to file an FIR against Sitharaman and others involved in the case. Following this directive, law enforcement has officially registered the FIR, marking a notable development in the ongoing scrutiny of political funding practices in India.
The electoral bonds scheme, introduced by the central government in 2018, aimed to replace cash donations to political parties with a more transparent mechanism for funding. However, in February of this year, the Supreme Court deemed the scheme “unconstitutional,” asserting that it violated citizens’ right to information. This ruling has intensified discussions regarding the integrity and transparency of political financing in the country.
In light of the FIR, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has publicly demanded Sitharaman’s resignation. He emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, stating, “An FIR has been registered against Nirmala Sitharaman in the Special Court for People’s Representatives. Who is she? She is a Union Minister, and there is an FIR against her too. She should tender her resignation after the FIR has been registered. Will they (BJP) ask her to resign?”
Siddaramaiah further highlighted the stipulations under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, which mandates a thorough investigation and requires a report to be submitted within three months. He explained, “In my case, the lower court has passed an order. The Governor has asked for an inquiry under Section 17A, and the court has directed that the investigation be completed and a report should be submitted within three months.”
Interestingly, Siddaramaiah himself is under scrutiny in connection with alleged irregularities in the MUDA (Mysuru Urban Development Authority) case, also subject to Section 17A provisions. In a broadening of the political rhetoric surrounding the case, he also called for the resignation of JD(S) leader and Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, citing corruption allegations against him as well.
“First, let Kumaraswamy resign. Shouldn’t he tender his resignation too? Even PM (Narendra) Modi should resign. In the election bond extortion case, PM Modi should also tender his resignation. Nirmala Sitharaman should resign as well,” Siddaramaiah stated, amplifying the call for accountability at multiple levels of governance.
As the investigation unfolds, the political landscape in Karnataka and beyond may witness significant repercussions, particularly concerning the BJP government and its handling of financial transparency in electoral processes.
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