Allegations of Extortion Against Nirmala Sitharaman Over Electoral Bonds Case

A Bengaluru court ordered an FIR against Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and others following allegations of extortion linked to electoral bonds. Complainant Adarsh Iyer accused BJP leaders and Enforcement Directorate officials of misusing power for financial gain. The case has prompted calls for resignations and an impartial investigation into the allegations.

A Bengaluru court has ordered an FIR against Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, following allegations of extortion linked to electoral bonds. Complainant Adarsh Iyer, representing Janadhikar Sangharsh Parishad (JSP), accused Sitharaman, Enforcement Directorate officials, and several BJP leaders of misusing power to extort large sums from companies.

Iyer’s complaint asserts that those in power, including BJP Karnataka chief BY Vijayendra and BJP leader Nalin Kumar Kateel, coerced companies into paying money, labeling the acts as extortion. He referenced the Supreme Court's previous order for the State Bank of India (SBI) to disclose electoral bond data, which reportedly revealed corrupt practices.

The complaint has led to a special court ordering an investigation under Section 153 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. This development, according to Iyer, is a significant step toward accountability, as it addresses alleged abuses by high-ranking officials and party members. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has called for Sitharaman’s resignation, accusing the BJP of misconduct and demanding accountability from the Finance Minister and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh echoed the demand, highlighting the court’s decision as a serious matter that necessitates responsibility from the Union government. Ghosh reiterated long-standing accusations that central agencies were being misused to target political opponents and urged for a thorough and unbiased investigation into the extortion allegations.

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The case has sparked a political storm, with critics arguing that the Union government must be held accountable for the alleged misuse of power and extortion linked to electoral bonds.