Sat Sep 28 17:18:22 UTC 2024: ## FIR Filed Against Finance Minister Sitharaman for Alleged Extortion Through Electoral Bonds
**Bengaluru, India:** Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has become the subject of a police investigation after a special court ordered the registration of an FIR against her, along with other BJP leaders, for alleged extortion through electoral bonds. The complaint, filed by Adarsh Iyer of Janadhikar Sangharsh Parishad, accuses the minister and her co-accused – Union Minister JP Nadda and two senior Karnataka BJP leaders – of using the electoral bond scheme to accumulate illicit funds for political gain.
The FIR alleges that corporate entities were coerced into purchasing bonds worth thousands of crores using the threat of Enforcement Directorate raids. These bonds were then allegedly cashed by BJP leaders at both the state and national levels.
The ruling BJP has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated and insisting that the electoral bond scheme is a legitimate policy matter.
The development comes amidst a political storm in Karnataka, where Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is facing calls for resignation after an FIR was filed against him in connection with an alleged land allotment scam.
The controversy has sparked a war of words between the Congress and BJP, with both sides accusing each other of corruption and political maneuvering.
The court’s order to register the FIR has added fuel to the fire, raising questions about the transparency and accountability of the electoral bond scheme. The investigation is expected to shed light on the allegations and potentially have far-reaching consequences for the political landscape.
First Piper 