Monday, 30 September 2024
Monday, 30 September 2024
A Bengaluru court has directed the registration of a case against Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and others, including BJP officials, in relation to the controversial electoral bonds scheme.
The FIR has brought allegations of extortion, criminal conspiracy, and misuse of central agencies to the forefront. Political leaders from across the spectrum have voiced their opinions on the case, ranging from sharp accusations to demands for an investigation. Here’s what they said.
Abhishek Manu Singhvi: ‘EBS – Extortionist BJP Scheme’
Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi reiterated his party’s demand for a Supreme Court-monitored inquiry into the electoral bonds scheme and took a dig at the ruling party’s top brass.
"The Finance Minister cannot do this on her own. We know who is number 1 and number 2, and this was done on whose directions. The larger issue is the level playing field necessary for free and fair polls, critical for democracy. This is an attack on our democratic system."
Singhvi coined the term 'EBS' or "Extortionist BJP Scheme" to describe the controversy.
Jairam Ramesh: ‘Finance Minister should resign immediately’
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh alleged a multi-layered conspiracy behind the electoral bonds scheme, using strong language to indict Sitharaman.
"The government used four different methods to extort funds through what they called the 'electoral bonds conspiracy'—prepaid bribery, postpaid bribery, post-raid bribery, and through fake companies. The Finance Minister should immediately resign as she is guilty politically, legally, and morally."
Ramesh further clarified that the Congress played no direct role in the FIR being filed, noting that it was done on court orders.
Sanjay Raut: ‘ED is BJP's collection agent’
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut did not mince words, accusing the Enforcement Directorate (ED) of operating as a collection agency for the BJP.
“The ED is BJP's collection agent. The money that has gone to and continues to go into BJP's accounts is being routed through the ED. The ED is a corrupt organisation. The charges filed against Nirmala Sitharaman are because she has amassed money illegally. ED helped her collect this money... The ED and CBI are the most corrupt organisations in this country, and if anyone is responsible for this, it is the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister.”
Raut made the statement at a press conference in Mumbai, following the FIR against Sitharaman.
Priyank Kharge: ‘The court has upheld the complaint’
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge expressed confidence in the legal process, citing the Supreme Court’s view on electoral bonds as being illegal.
“The Supreme Court has already told that the electoral bonds are illegal and unconstitutional. The same has been filed here in Karnataka. There are instances where they have forced companies into Quid pro quo, and the architect of all this is the finance minister... The court has upheld the complaint. Let the investigation happen, what are they so scared of?”
Kharge suggested that Sitharaman’s role in the scheme has led to the court’s firm stance.
Kunal Ghosh: ‘Centre misuses central agencies’
TMC leader Kunal Ghosh highlighted the seriousness of the court’s decision to order an FIR against the Finance Minister, calling it an example of the Centre's misuse of power.
“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.”
Ghosh’s remarks echo long-standing allegations against the ruling party for its alleged manipulation of central enforcement agencies.
No reaction yet from FM
Despite the mounting political storm surrounding the FIR, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has yet to issue a statement regarding the allegations.
The Finance Minister is currently on a five-day visit to Uzbekistan, where she met with Bukhara city Governor Botir Zaripov on Saturday. The two leaders discussed strengthening tourism and fostering people-to-people ties between India and Uzbekistan.
As of now, Sitharaman has not responded to the accusations or the ongoing investigation related to the electoral bond scheme.
