5 days ago
Nagendra Weighs Resignation Amid Karnataka Valmiki Welfare Controversy
B. Nagendra is a Karnataka minister whose role is being questioned because of a dispute over tribal welfare money.
He returned to Bengaluru from Delhi and said he would first speak with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
Nagendra has not formally announced that he is resigning.
He said he would explain the matter at a press conference and would not embarrass his Congress party.
Shivakumar said Nagendra had called himself a disciplined party worker ready to make sacrifices.
The BJP and JD(S) want Nagendra removed from the Cabinet.
They are also planning a long foot march to protest.
The controversy began after officials reported that about Rs 89.63 crore had been moved from a tribal welfare corporation account.
Several agencies are investigating, although the state CID has reportedly cleared Nagendra.
Minister B. Nagendra said he would meet Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar before deciding his next step.
Nagendra said he would address the issue at a press conference and would not embarrass the Congress party.
Shivakumar said Nagendra had spoken with him and that the matter had been left to the Congress high command.
The BJP and JD(S) are demanding Nagendra’s removal and plan a 185-kilometre foot march from Raichur to Ballari.
Investigators are examining the alleged diversion of Rs 89.63 crore from the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation.
- Who
- Karnataka Minister B. Nagendra, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, the Congress high command, and opposition parties BJP and JD(S).
- What
- Nagendra is considering his next step, including a possible resignation, amid allegations involving the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation.
- Where
- Bengaluru, Karnataka; the planned march is from Raichur to Ballari.
- When
- The statements were made on Friday after Nagendra returned from Delhi; a press conference was expected later that day. The BJP and JD(S) planned a foot march from September 1 to 10.
- Why
- The controversy concerns alleged unauthorized transfers of tribal welfare funds and political demands for Nagendra’s removal from the Cabinet.
Minister and Congress leadership
Opposition parties
Nagendra’s future
Minister and Congress leadership
Nagendra said no decision had been taken and that he would consult Shivakumar before taking the next step. Shivakumar said the minister would explain his position directly and that the matter had been left to the high command.
Opposition parties
The BJP and JD(S) are demanding Nagendra’s resignation or removal from the Cabinet, alleging that he was linked to the Valmiki Corporation controversy.
Political interpretation
Minister and Congress leadership
Nagendra described the allegations and opposition agitation as part of a conspiracy and said he would not allow his actions to embarrass Congress.
Opposition parties
The opposition says the alleged tribal welfare fund diversion warrants action against Nagendra and has staged protests inside and outside the legislature.
Investigation status
Minister and Congress leadership
The state CID has reportedly given Nagendra a clean chit, and Nagendra has previously called the allegations politically motivated.
Opposition parties
The alleged transfer of Rs 89.63 crore remains under investigation by the SIT, CBI and ED.
Key facts
- Minister involved
- B. Nagendra, Karnataka’s Planning and Statistics Minister; he was Tribal Welfare Minister when the controversy surfaced.
- Nagendra’s position
- He said he would consult D.K. Shivakumar before deciding whether to resign and would address the issue at a press conference.
- Chief minister’s position
- Shivakumar said Nagendra had spoken with him, described himself as a disciplined Congress worker, and would explain his position publicly.
- Alleged amount
- Rs 89.63 crore was reportedly transferred from a corporation account to a Union Bank of India account and then moved to other accounts.
- Origin of controversy
- Corporation accounts superintendent P. Chandrasekharan died by suicide in May 2024 and left a six-page note alleging irregularities and unauthorized transfers.
- Opposition action
- The BJP and JD(S) are demanding Nagendra’s resignation and announced a 185-kilometre foot march from Raichur to Ballari.
- Investigations
- The SIT, CBI and ED are investigating; the state CID has reportedly given Nagendra a clean chit.
- Political history
- Nagendra resigned from the Cabinet in June 2024 and was later re-inducted with the Planning and Statistics portfolio; one article dates that re-induction to August 3, 2026.
Quotes
D.K. Shivakumar
Karnataka Chief Minister
“I will discuss it with the Chief Minister and speak to him in detail. If a situation arises where my actions cause embarrassment to the party, then I will... This is all being done as part of a conspiracy, including the launch of the padayatra.”
deccanchronicle.com
“I will not be scared of the BJP’s false threats. I will hold a press conference. I am going to meet the Chief Minister. The party should not be embarrassed because of me. I will discuss the matter in detail with the Chief Minister.”
thehansindia.com
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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