Karnataka Minister Demands Resignation of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Amid Electoral Bond Controversy

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge has called for the resignation of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman following a court-directed FIR over alleged extortion via electoral bonds. He accused companies in losses of donating large sums to BJP through the scheme. The FIR also names BJP leaders B S Yediyurappa and his son.

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Sunday demanded the resignation of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman following a court's directive to register an FIR against her for alleged extortion through now scrapped electoral bonds.

Kharge alleged that several companies incurred losses but still made significant donations to the BJP via the Electoral Bond scheme. The court reportedly found valid grounds to direct the police to register an FIR against Sitharaman and other BJP officials, including ED officials and party office-bearers.

Addressing a press conference, Kharge urged BJP to expel officials allegedly involved in money laundering, including former Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa and state BJP president B Y Vijayendra. He emphasized that the Supreme Court had deemed the Electoral Bond scheme unconstitutional.

(With inputs from agencies.)