Electoral Bonds Controversy: Activist Files Complaint Against Key BJP Leaders In Bengaluru
(Judicial Quest News Network)
Bangaluru, 28, September, 2024
On Friday, Bengaluru became the focal point of a significant political controversy as an activist filed a formal complaint with the city police regarding alleged misconduct related to the electoral bonds scheme. The complaint targets several high-profile figures, including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and BJP President JP Nadda.
The complaint, submitted by the Janadhikar Sangharsha Parishath, highlights accusations of illegal activities conducted by BJP members under the now-defunct electoral bonds scheme, which was struck down by the Supreme Court in February this year. The activist claims that Sitharaman and officials from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have engaged in extortion, benefiting to the tune of over ₹8,000 crores.
“It is submitted that, the corporate Aluminium and Copper giant M/s Sterlite and M/s Vedanta Company led by Mr. Anil Agarwal was subjected to raids by accused no.2 on multiple occasions on account of which he was made to buy electoral bonds and in deed he purchased electoral bonds worth 230.15 crores between April 2019, August 2022 and November 2023.The detailed analysis of electoral bond extortion by BJP political party are herewith produced “it is mentioned in the plaint.
The additional chief judicial magistrate in Bengaluru has ordered the police to forward the complaint and relevant documents to the police station by October 10, 2024. In the complaint, the activist detailed instances where the ED allegedly conducted raids on companies such as Vedanta and Sterlite, coercing their owners to make donations through the electoral bonds scheme. Further it is submitted that “A company by name M/s Aurobindo Pharma was subjected to raids, seizures and arrests by the officials of accused no.2 on account of which Aurobindo Pharma group of companies purchased electoral bonds on 5th January 2023, 2nd July 2022, 15th November 2022 and 8th November 2023 to the tune of Rs 49.5 crores. Details of raids by second accused are separately produced as Annexure-C. Aurobindo Pharma fearing ED raids turned as approver.”
In a previous attempt to seek justice, the activist approached the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) for Bengaluru Southeast on February 4, 2023. Frustrated by the lack of action, the activist resorted to the courts to address the grievances. This latest development raises serious questions about the ethical practices surrounding electoral funding in India and the accountability of those in power.
