Lagatar24 Desk
Bengaluru: A Bengaluru Special Court has directed the filing of an FIR against Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, following allegations that the now-scrapped electoral bonds scheme was used for extortion. The complaint, brought forward by Adarsh Iyer of Janaadhikara Sangharsha Sanghatane (JSP), accuses Ms Sitharaman and other BJP leaders of coercing corporate entities into purchasing bonds worth thousands of crores.
Accusations Involving Senior BJP Leaders
The complaint not only targets Nirmala Sitharaman but also includes BJP President JP Nadda, and Karnataka BJP leaders Naleen Kumar Kateel and BY Vijayendra. It alleges that these leaders pressured businesses using Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids as a tactic, leading to the purchase of electoral bonds, which were then cashed by BJP figures at both national and state levels.
The electoral bonds scheme, which had been introduced as a way to ensure transparency in political donations, is now being accused of being part of an extortion racket to generate illicit funds for political purposes.
BJP’s Defense of Nirmala Sitharaman
In response to the allegations, the BJP has come out in strong defense of Ms Sitharaman. The party maintains that the accusations are politically motivated and argue that the issue surrounding electoral bonds is a policy matter rather than a criminal one. BJP spokesperson Dr. Sudha Halkai stated, “These allegations are baseless and aimed at tarnishing the image of the party leadership.”
Siddaramaiah’s Counterattack
The case against Nirmala Sitharaman comes at a time when Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is facing pressure due to an FIR filed against him in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment case. Mr. Siddaramaiah responded by questioning why figures like Ms Sitharaman and former Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy, who also faces a corruption probe, are not being asked to step down.
Siddaramaiah asserted, “If there are expectations for me to resign due to an FIR, then the same standards should be applied to senior BJP leaders facing similar allegations.”
FIR Filed Against Siddaramaiah and Family
The Lokayukta police have already filed an FIR against Siddaramaiah, his wife, and other family members for their alleged involvement in illegal land allotments through MUDA, further intensifying the political tension in Karnataka.
