Sun Sep 29 13:46:44 UTC 2024: ## Karnataka Minister Demands Resignation of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman After FIR Filed Against Her
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge has demanded the resignation of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman following the registration of an FIR against her in Bengaluru. This action was taken based on a court order accusing Sitharaman of allegedly extorting money through the now-scrapped Electoral Bond scheme.
Kharge, during a press conference, alleged that companies incurring significant losses had made substantial donations to the BJP through the Electoral Bond scheme. He further claimed that the court found sufficient grounds to direct the police to file an FIR against Sitharaman and others. He also called for the expulsion of former BJP Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, his son B.Y. Vijayendra, the BJP State President, and other party leaders.
The FIR, registered under sections related to extortion, criminal conspiracy, and acts done by multiple persons, names several individuals, including Sitharaman, ED officials, and BJP office bearers. Notably, B.Y. Vijayendra, the BJP Karnataka Chief, and party leader Nalin Kumar Kateel are also named in the complaint.
Kharge stated that the FIR stemmed from a petition filed by the Janadhikara Sangharsha Parishath and highlighted the Supreme Court’s declaration of the Electoral Bond scheme as unconstitutional.
He further presented data alleging that 33 companies, operating at a loss of ₹1 lakh crore, had donated ₹576.2 crore to the BJP, while six profitable companies had donated more than their net profits, amounting to ₹646 crore. He also claimed that three companies with positive net profits but negative direct taxes had donated ₹193.8 crore to the BJP.
Kharge criticized BJP leaders for their allegations of money laundering against Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, stating that B.Y. Vijayendra was allegedly involved in money laundering through shell companies based in Kolkata and other locations.
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