A Bengaluru court has ordered the filing of an FIR against Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and several other political figures, including Enforcement Directorate officials and BJP leaders, following allegations of extortion through electoral bonds. The complainant, Adarsh Iyer from the Janadhikar Sangharsh Parishad (JSP), accused the government of using its power to extort large sums of money from companies, naming Sitharaman as the primary accused. Other figures named include Karnataka BJP chief BY Vijayendra, BJP leader Nalin Kumar Kateel, and former Karnataka BJP president HD Kumaraswamy.
Iyer’s allegations come after the Supreme Court’s decision requiring the State Bank of India to disclose data related to electoral bonds, which led to media reports suggesting corruption. The court has ordered an investigation under Section 153 of the CrPC (Code of Criminal Procedure), which deals with complaints requiring an inquiry.
Political reactions have followed swiftly. Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh described the court’s order as a significant development, asserting that both Sitharaman and Prime Minister Narendra Modi must take responsibility for the alleged misuse of power. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called for Sitharaman’s resignation and criticized the BJP for not addressing the issue. He also suggested that if an impartial investigation were conducted, PM Modi should resign.
The FIR is to be registered at Tilak Nagar police station in Bengaluru, initiating an investigation into the alleged extortion through electoral bonds.
