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The Karnataka High Court has issued a stay order on the investigation into allegations of irregularities related to the now-abandoned electoral bond scheme, targeting Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and other BJP leaders. This decision comes after an FIR was filed accusing Sitharaman, along with prominent BJP figures from both state and national levels, as well as officials from the Enforcement Directorate, of engaging in extortion and criminal conspiracy under the guise of the electoral bond scheme.
The FIR, filed by Adarsh R.Iyer, Co-President of ‘Janaadhikaara Sangharsha Parishath’ (JSP), alleges that the accused extorted over Rs 8,000 crore through the scheme. Notably, the BJP Karnataka chief, B.Y. Vijayendra, is also named as a co-accused. The accusations stem from the controversial electoral bond scheme, which was deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in February, citing its violation of freedom of speech and the right to information.
The complainant alleges that Sitharaman, with the assistance of Enforcement Directorate officials, orchestrated the extortion scheme, whereby individuals at state and national levels benefited financially. The involvement of BJP leaders across various ranks in this alleged scheme is also highlighted. The Karnataka High Court's decision to stay the investigation has sparked further controversy and is expected to be a subject of intense scrutiny and debate, particularly considering the sensitive nature of the allegations and the political implications involved.
Source: Karnataka High Court stays probe against Sitharaman, BJP leaders in electoral bond case