In a significant development, a Special Court in Bengaluru has ordered the registration of an FIR against India’s Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, over allegations related to the controversial Electoral Bond scheme. The complaint, filed by Adarsh Iyer from the People’s Rights Struggle Organization (Janadhikara Sangharsha Parishat – JSP), accuses Sitharaman and other senior BJP leaders of running an extortion racket under the guise of the scheme.
Key Accusations
The complaint not only names Nirmala Sitharaman but also includes BJP National President JP Nadda, Karnataka BJP leaders Naleen Kumar Kateel and BY Vijayendra. It alleges that large corporate entities were coerced into purchasing thousands of crores worth of Electoral Bonds, with threats of Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids. The bonds, which are meant for funding political parties, have been a topic of national debate due to the opacity surrounding their donors.
BJP’s Response
The BJP has strongly refuted these allegations, calling them politically motivated. The party defended Sitharaman, arguing that the Electoral Bond scheme is a government policy decision and not a criminal offense. BJP leaders have also criticized the Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for drawing parallels between this case and the ongoing MUDA land allocation scandal.
Siddaramaiah’s Counterattack
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who is facing an FIR over alleged illegal land allocations by the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA), hit back at the BJP leadership. He questioned why Sitharaman and other senior BJP leaders accused of corruption were not asked to resign, while he faces pressure to step down.
The Lokayukta police have filed an FIR against Siddaramaiah, his wife, and other family members, alleging unlawful allocation of MUDA land sites. Siddaramaiah argued that if he is expected to step aside, the same should apply to Sitharaman and others facing similar charges.
What is the Electoral Bond Scheme?
The Electoral Bond Scheme was introduced in 2018 as a method for anonymous donations to political parties in India. Critics argue that the scheme lacks transparency, as it allows corporate donors to contribute without public scrutiny. Proponents claim it curbs black money in elections by channeling funds through banks.
