Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Karnataka BJP Renews Demand for B. Nagendra’s Resignation
The BJP is demanding that Karnataka minister B. Nagendra resign.
BJP leader R. Ashoka says money meant for a tribal welfare corporation was illegally moved.
He alleges that some money reached Nagendra and people close to him.
Ashoka says the money was spread across about 600 bank accounts.
He also says the CBI and ED have filed chargesheets in the case.
Nagendra denies that he should resign and says he is being targeted because he is a Dalit and tribal leader.
He says the Opposition should discuss the issue in the Assembly.
The BJP says it will continue protesting until he resigns.
R. Ashoka claimed the BJP previously forced B. Nagendra to resign and would do so again.
The BJP alleges that ₹187 crore from the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation was diverted.
Ashoka alleged that ₹1.2 crore reached Nagendra’s account and that funds were distributed among about 600 accounts.
Nagendra accused the Opposition of targeting him as a Dalit and tribal leader and said the issue could be discussed in the Assembly.
The BJP rejected a reported state CID clean chit and demanded that Nagendra obtain clearance from a court.
- Who
- B. Nagendra, Karnataka BJP leader R. Ashoka, and BJP and JD(S) legislators are central to the dispute.
- What
- The BJP is demanding Nagendra’s resignation over alleged diversion of funds from the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation.
- When
- The claims and Assembly disruption were reported on Wednesday.
- Where
- The statements were made in Bengaluru, Karnataka; the alleged transactions also reportedly involved Andhra Pradesh and Ballari.
- Why
- The BJP alleges that government funds meant for Scheduled Tribes were diverted and says Nagendra should remain out of the Cabinet until cleared by a court.
BJP and Opposition
B. Nagendra and His Defenders
Whether Nagendra should resign
BJP and Opposition
The BJP and JD(S) say Nagendra should resign over the alleged diversion of tribal welfare funds. R. Ashoka said the BJP would continue its agitation until he steps down.
B. Nagendra and His Defenders
Nagendra questioned the continued demand for his resignation and said the government was willing to discuss the issue in the Assembly.
Meaning of the investigations
BJP and Opposition
Ashoka said the CBI and ED conducted investigations and filed chargesheets, and argued that the reported CID clean chit was not enough without a court ruling.
B. Nagendra and His Defenders
Nagendra accused the Opposition of portraying central investigative agencies as politically motivated and targeting him.
Motivation for the political pressure
BJP and Opposition
Ashoka denied that the BJP was targeting Nagendra because he is from the Scheduled Tribes community and said the Congress could appoint other ST leaders.
B. Nagendra and His Defenders
Nagendra alleged that “Manuvadis” were conspiring to remove a Dalit and tribal leader from the Cabinet.
- Alleged diverted amount
- ₹187 crore from the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation, according to the BJP’s allegation.
- Alleged payment to Nagendra
- Ashoka alleged that ₹1.2 crore was deposited directly into B. Nagendra’s account.
- Accounts involved
- Ashoka claimed the money was distributed among approximately 600 accounts.
- Investigative agencies
- The Central Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement Directorate have reportedly filed chargesheets in the case.
- State CID position
- Nagendra has reportedly received a clean chit from the state CID, which the BJP says it will not accept as sufficient.
- BJP demand
- The party wants Nagendra to resign and obtain clearance from the courts, particularly the Special Court for MPs and MLAs.