The Senate reaffirmed the demand for a Supreme Court-supervised inquiry through the Special Investigation Team (SIT) into the entire election process.
On Sunday, the Congress intensified its criticism of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and asked Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to resign after an FIR was lodged against her over the now-suspended voter registration system. The opposition accused Sitharaman of “undermining democracy” and demanded a proper inquiry supervised by the Supreme Court.
What are the charges?
Janadhikar Sangharsh Parishad (JSP) co-chairman Adarsh R.K. The complaint accuses Sitaraman, along with Enforcement Directorate officials and BJP leaders, of running an extortion scheme masquerading as an electoral roll scheme, with alleged profits exceeding ₹8,000 crore.
Sitharaman, BJP Karnataka chief B.Y. Vijender, along with national party leader Nalin Kumar Katil on charges of extortion (section 384), criminal conspiracy (120B) and conspiracy (34) under the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
At a press conference, Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh and Abhishek Singhvi condemned the finance minister’s alleged involvement. Ramesh insisted that he was politically, legally and morally “guilty” and called for his immediate resignation.
This year, Congress also renewed its demand for a comprehensive Supreme Court review of the voter registration system. The court ruled that the scheme violates the right to freedom of information and speech and poses a threat to free and fair elections in India.
Singhvi added, “Finance minister.”
