FIR Against Nirmala Sitharaman: The opposition has reacted strongly following the registration of an FIR against Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, linked to the now-scrapped electoral bonds scheme. The FIR, filed on the directions of a Bengaluru court, has prompted opposition leaders to call for accountability at the highest levels of government.
Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Kunal Ghosh expressed his concerns, stating, “It is a very serious development because the court has ordered an FIR against Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over extortion through poll bonds. We have been saying since the beginning that the Centre misuses central agencies.” He further stressed the gravity of the situation, demanding that the Prime Minister take responsibility: “The responsibility must be taken by the honourable PM as well.”
VIDEO | “It is a very serious development because a court has ordered an FIR against Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over extortion through poll bonds. We have been saying since the beginning that the Centre misuses central agencies,” says TMC leader Kunal Ghosh… pic.twitter.com/m2Noqvx4i4
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 28, 2024
“They were creating a threat perception and culture using central agencies,” he told news agency PTI.
Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge echoed similar sentiments, recalling how the issue had been raised in Parliament. He told news agency ANI, “We raised the issue in Parliament that they took electoral bonds by intimidating people through ED, CBI… Someone has taken the issue to the court. We will see what happens.”
#WATCH | Delhi: On case against Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over electoral bonds issue, Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge says, “We raised the issue in Parliament that they took electoral bonds by intimidating people through ED, CBI… Someone has taken… pic.twitter.com/8gBYivOcHH
— ANI (@ANI) September 28, 2024
Congress leader V Gurunadham further added, “If there’s extortion by her through electoral bonds, then she has to face the consequence of law.”
ALSO READ | FIR Against Nirmala Sitharaman On Charges Of Extortion, Criminal Conspiracy Related To Electoral Bond Scheme
‘Should Nirmala Sitharaman Should Resign Now’: Karnataka CM Siddaramiah Asks BJP
In contrast, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah, facing his own legal challenges in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment case, remarked, “According to BJP leaders’ argument, Nirmala Sitharaman should resign now, right?”, as reported by PTI.
Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy of the JD(S) defended Sitharaman, questioning, “Why should Nirmala Sitharaman resign? Has electoral bond funds gone to Nirmala Sitharaman’s personal account to resign? Has she misused power and benefited herself like you (Siddaramaiah)?”
Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly and BJP leader R Ashoka dismissed comparisons between the two cases, arguing that the electoral bond issue had already been settled by the Supreme Court. “….(electoral bond) issue is over, it has been decided by the Supreme Court, and our leader will take necessary action in accordance with law (in connection with FIR). Where is the comparison to a case where you (Siddaramaiah) used the government (land) for personal benefit, to this (electoral bonds case)…” he said, accusing the Congress of lacking the moral authority to comment on the matter.
ALSO READ | FIR Against Nirmala Sitharaman Over Allegations Of Extortion, Criminal Conspiracy In Electoral Bond Scheme
The FIR, registered under sections 384 (extortion), 120B (criminal conspiracy), and 34 (acts done by several persons with common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (formerly IPC), implicates Sitharaman, Enforcement Directorate officials, and BJP office-bearers at both state and national levels. It was lodged by Adarsh R Iyer, co-president of ‘Janaadhikaara Sangharsha Parishath’ (JSP), who alleged that the accused “committed extortion under the guise and garb of electoral bonds,” benefitting to the tune of Rs 8,000 crore or more.
The complaint further accused Sitharaman of facilitating the extortion through the clandestine aid of Enforcement Directorate officials, orchestrating the scheme alongside BJP officials.
The Supreme Court, in February, had struck down the electoral bond scheme, stating it violated citizens’ right to information and freedom of speech and expression.