FIR against FM Nirmala Sitharaman over 'extortion' through electoral bonds
PTC Web Desk: A Bengaluru court has directed the registration of an FIR against Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, following allegations of extortion linked to the now-abolished electoral bonds scheme. The complaint, filed by Adarsh Iyer of the Janaadhikara Sangharsha Sanghatane, accuses Sitharaman and others of involvement in extortion through the electoral bonds.
In response, the Special Court for People's Representatives in Bengaluru ordered the police to register an FIR, which has now been filed. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court deemed the electoral bonds scheme unconstitutional, stating that it violated the public's right to information. Introduced by the Central Government in 2018, the scheme aimed to replace cash donations to political parties with a more transparent funding process.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reacted to the FIR by demanding Sitharaman's resignation and calling for a report on the investigation to be submitted within three months. He remarked, "An FIR has been registered against a Union Minister. She was involved in extortion through electoral bonds. Sitharaman should resign now that the FIR is filed. Will the BJP demand her resignation?"
He further added that under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, the investigation must be completed, and a report submitted within three months. This section provides protection for public servants from frivolous investigations, requiring prior approval from competent authorities before any inquiry is initiated.
Siddaramaiah himself is also under scrutiny, with a probe ordered under Section 17A in connection to alleged irregularities in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case. He also took aim at JD(S) leader and Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, accusing him of corruption and demanding his resignation.
"Let Kumaraswamy resign first. Shouldn’t PM Modi also resign in connection with the electoral bond extortion case? Nirmala Sitharaman must step down as well. Kumaraswamy, out on bail, should also resign," Siddaramaiah added.
- With inputs from agencies
