Sun Sep 29 23:12:29 UTC 2024: ## Congress Demands Resignation of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Over Electoral Bonds Scheme Allegations

New Delhi: The Congress party has demanded the resignation of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman following the registration of a case against her in Bengaluru over allegations of extortion through the now-scrapped electoral bonds scheme.

The FIR, filed by a non-Congress member, alleges that Sitharaman, along with other BJP leaders, used the scheme to extort over Rs 8,000 crore from corporates. Congress leaders, including Abhishek Singhvi and Jairam Ramesh, have called the scheme an “EBS” or “Extortionist BJP Scheme,” accusing the BJP of undermining democracy.

The complaint alleges that Sitharaman, with the assistance of ED officials, facilitated extortion at both state and national levels. Singhvi pointed out that the majority of the electoral bond operations occurred during Sitharaman’s tenure as Finance Minister, highlighting the extensive nature of the alleged irregularities.

Congress leaders have also demanded the expulsion of several BJP leaders, including former Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa and his son B Y Vijayendra, from the party.

The case against Sitharaman has sparked a political storm, with the Congress accusing the BJP of using the electoral bonds scheme for illegal financial gains. The party has demanded a thorough investigation into the matter, while the BJP has yet to issue a statement on the allegations.

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