FIR Ordered Against Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Over Electoral Bond Extortion Allegations

The Bengaluru Court has ordered an FIR against Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over alleged extortion via electoral bonds. Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge criticized Sitharaman, labeling her the architect of the controversial bill. The Union Minister faces scrutiny while denying any wrongdoing, calling actions legal and parliamentary-approved.

In a significant legal development, the Bengaluru Court has ordered the filing of an FIR against Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and others for allegedly extorting money through electoral bonds. Karnataka Minister and Congress leader Priyank Kharge has aggressively criticized Sitharaman, branding her as the 'architect' of the controversial electoral bond scheme. Speaking to ANI, Kharge pointed out that the Supreme Court has previously declared electoral bonds illegal and unconstitutional, suggesting that forced contributions from companies align with quid pro quo arrangements orchestrated by the Finance Minister.

The court's decision has sparked questions about the ruling party's apprehensions regarding the impending investigation. The directive came after Adarsh Iyer of Janadhikar Sangharsh Parishad (JSP) petitioned the Special Court of People's Representatives, urging action against the Union Minister. The court subsequently directed Tilak Nagar police station in Bengaluru to register an FIR on extortion charges related to electoral bonds against Sitharaman.

The controversy intensified with Union Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi defending Sitharaman's actions as legal and sanctioned by parliamentary law. Joshi contrasted this case with allegations against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddharamaiah, for which he demanded the Chief Minister's resignation following a Lokayukta Police FIR filed on Friday in connection to the alleged MUDA land allocation scam.

(With inputs from agencies.)