Sat Sep 28 17:58:55 UTC 2024: ## Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Named in FIR Over Alleged Extortion Through Electoral Bonds

**Bengaluru, Karnataka:** A special court in Bengaluru has ordered the filing of an FIR against Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, accusing her of extortion. The FIR, filed under sections 384 and 120B of the Indian Penal Code, also includes Karnataka BJP chief B.Y. Vijayendra and party leader Nalin Kumar Kateel as accused.

The complaint, filed by Adarsh R. Iyer of the Janadhikari Sangarsha Parishad, alleges that the accused used the electoral bond scheme to extort money and gain undue advantage, amassing over ₹8,000 crores. Iyer further alleges that Sitharaman, through ED officials, facilitated extortion of thousands of crores of rupees from individuals and entities for personal gains at the state and national levels.

The complaint claims the BJP leaders operated a systematic extortion racket under the guise of electoral bonds. Notably, the Supreme Court had earlier this year declared the electoral bond scheme unconstitutional, deeming it arbitrary and a violation of Article 14.

The BJP government had introduced the electoral bond scheme in 2018, replacing cash donations to political parties with the aim of promoting transparency in political funding. However, critics argue that the scheme facilitated anonymous and untraceable donations.

Reacting to the development, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah demanded the resignation of Sitharaman and questioned when the Karnataka BJP would stage protests and marches for her resignation. He also called for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resign if a fair investigation is conducted.

The court’s decision has raised concerns about the transparency and accountability of the electoral bond scheme, fueling calls for further investigation into the alleged irregularities.

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