Court orders FIR against Nirmala Sitharaman over poll bonds extortion

A special court in Bengaluru has ordered the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) against Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, following allegations of extortion linked to the controversial electoral bonds scheme. The complaint was lodged by Adarsh Iyer from the Janaadhikara Sangharsha Sanghatane (JSP), accusing Sitharaman and several senior BJP leaders of orchestrating an extortion racket under the guise of this scheme. The court's directive mandates the Tilak Nagar police to initiate an investigation into these serious claims.

The complaint alleges that Sitharaman, along with BJP President JP Nadda and Karnataka leaders Nalin Kumar Kateel and BY Vijayendra, coerced corporate entities into purchasing electoral bonds worth thousands of crores. It claims that these funds were extracted using intimidation tactics, including raids by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). According to the JSP, the electoral bonds scheme enabled the accumulation of illicit political funding, benefiting the BJP at both national and state levels.

The BJP has vehemently defended Sitharaman, dismissing the allegations as politically motivated and arguing that the electoral bonds issue is a matter of policy, not criminality. Dr. Sudha Halkai, BJP spokesperson, highlighted past legal issues faced by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, stating that the charges against him should reflect on others in a similar position, including Sitharaman.

Siddaramaiah, facing scrutiny himself over an FIR linked to the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case, demanded Sitharaman's resignation, questioning why she and former Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy have not been held to the same standard. He stressed the need for accountability, particularly when allegations of corruption are involved.

In February 2024, the Supreme Court deemed the electoral bonds scheme unconstitutional, stating it violated citizens' right to information. The investigation into Sitharaman and other BJP leaders is expected to follow Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, which mandates a thorough inquiry into such serious allegations. The political landscape in Karnataka is set to shift as this case unfolds, raising questions about transparency and accountability in political funding.