Bengaluru: Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Sunday called for the resignation of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman after a case was registered against her in Bengaluru, following a court directive. The FIR relates to allegations of extortion through the now-scrapped Electoral Bond scheme. The case also implicates BJP leaders at both state and national levels.
Allegations of Extortion and Electoral Bond Misuse
During a press conference, Kharge alleged that several companies, despite incurring significant losses, made large donations to the BJP through the Electoral Bond scheme. He claimed that these donations were suspiciously high, prompting the court to find valid grounds to direct the police to file an FIR against Sitharaman and other key BJP figures.
Kharge went on to challenge the BJP’s integrity by demanding the expulsion of former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa and his son B.Y. Vijayendra, who currently serves as the BJP state president. “Expel Nirmala Sitharaman, R Ashoka, and Munirathna,” Kharge added, referring to other BJP leaders implicated in the case.
FIR Filed Under Extortion and Conspiracy Charges
According to police sources, the FIR was filed under IPC sections 384 (extortion), 120B (criminal conspiracy), and 34 (acts done in furtherance of common intention). The complaint was based on a petition filed by the Janadhikara Sangharsh Parishath and directed by a special court. Alongside Sitharaman, other notable figures, including BJP Karnataka chief B.Y. Vijayendra and leader Nalin Kumar Kateel, were also named in the case.
Kharge referenced the Supreme Court’s previous ruling, which termed the Electoral Bond scheme unconstitutional. He further elaborated on financial irregularities, alleging that 33 loss-making companies, with a combined loss of Rs 1 lakh crore, donated Rs 576.2 crore to the BJP. In addition, six profit-making companies allegedly donated Rs 646 crore to the party, surpassing their net profits.
BJP’s Response and Kharge’s Defiance
Kharge did not hold back, accusing BJP leaders of hypocrisy for previously accusing Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi of money laundering. “You (BJP) have been in power for the past 11 years. What did you do all these years?” he questioned. He also took aim at B.Y. Vijayendra, alleging his involvement in money laundering through shell companies based in Kolkata and elsewhere.
The FIR against Sitharaman and other BJP figures marks a significant escalation in political tensions, with both parties accusing each other of financial misconduct. Kharge’s statements further indicate Congress’s intent to press ahead with investigations into BJP’s alleged financial activities, despite potential political pushback.