1 week ago
Karnataka Assembly Disrupted Fourth Day Over Nagendra’s Removal
Opposition lawmakers in Karnataka protested in the Assembly for the fourth day in a row.
They want Minister B. Nagendra removed from the Cabinet.
The protest concerns alleged misuse of money from a state corporation serving Scheduled Tribes.
Opposition leader R. Ashoka said Nagendra faced 24 cases and accused the government of giving the Assembly incorrect information.
Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara said Nagendra was not guilty and had documents to support him.
The Speaker asked the Opposition to stop shouting and join discussions, including a debate about drought.
The Opposition said it would participate only after Nagendra was removed.
The Assembly still held Question Hour, passed three Bills and was later adjourned.
BJP and JD(S) legislators disrupted Karnataka Assembly proceedings for the fourth consecutive day, with some members wearing black armbands or badges.
The Opposition demanded the resignation or removal of Planning and Statistics Minister B. Nagendra over alleged embezzlement from the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki ST Development Corporation.
Opposition leader R. Ashoka accused Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara of misleading the Assembly and alleged that Nagendra faced 24 cases and multiple agency chargesheets.
Parameshwara maintained that Nagendra was not guilty and said he had documents supporting his position.
Despite protests, the Speaker conducted Question Hour, passed three amendment Bills and eventually adjourned the House for the day.
- Who
- BJP and JD(S) legislators, Opposition leader R. Ashoka, Minister B. Nagendra, Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara and Speaker G. S. Patil.
- What
- The Opposition disrupted Assembly proceedings and demanded Nagendra’s resignation or removal over alleged embezzlement from the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki ST Development Corporation.
- Where
- The Karnataka Legislative Assembly in Bengaluru.
- When
- Thursday, the fourth consecutive day of disruption; the reports carry an August 20 dateline. Nagendra was inducted into the ministry on August 3, and the articles refer to his arrest in July 2024 and bail in October 2024.
- Why
- The Opposition alleged misuse of ST community funds, questioned the cases and chargesheets involving Nagendra, and demanded that he leave the Cabinet.
Opposition
Government and Treasury Benches
Nagendra’s Cabinet position
Opposition
The BJP and JD(S) demanded Nagendra’s immediate resignation or removal, arguing that the allegations and cases made his continuation unacceptable.
Government and Treasury Benches
G. Parameshwara defended Nagendra and maintained that he was not guilty. The government urged the Opposition to withdraw its protest and allow the Assembly to function.
Cases and information given to the House
Opposition
R. Ashoka alleged that Parameshwara had misled the Assembly by saying Nagendra had no cases or had received a clean chit. Ashoka claimed Nagendra faced 24 cases and referred to chargesheets involving the CBI, ED and Lokayukta.
Government and Treasury Benches
Parameshwara maintained that Nagendra was not guilty and said he possessed documents to establish his position. Minister T. Raghu Murthy urged Ashoka to seek answers from the government.
Disruption and drought discussion
Opposition
The Opposition continued slogans and said it would participate in discussions only after Nagendra’s removal. Ashoka also questioned what could be discussed before the government declared drought and released relief funds.
Government and Treasury Benches
Speaker G. S. Patil repeatedly asked the Opposition to participate in proceedings, including drought discussions. The Speaker continued Question Hour, allowed Congress members to raise issues and proceeded with Bills and calling-attention notices.
Key facts
- Protesting parties
- Bharatiya Janata Party and Janata Dal (Secular)
- Protest duration
- Four consecutive days
- Main demand
- Removal or resignation of Planning and Statistics Minister B. Nagendra
- Opposition allegation
- R. Ashoka alleged that Nagendra faced 24 cases and that the government misled the Assembly about the matter.
- Government position
- G. Parameshwara maintained that Nagendra was not guilty and said he had documents supporting that position.
- Legislative activity
- The Speaker conducted Question Hour and the House passed three amendment Bills despite the disruption.
- Case developments cited
- The Enforcement Directorate arrested Nagendra in July 2024, and a special court in Bengaluru granted him bail in October 2024.
Quotes
G. Parameshwara
Deputy Chief Minister, Karnataka
“"We have been protesting against the loot of ST community money for the last four days. For Nagendra, the House has not been able to function. For one, Nagendra, the privilege of 224 members is being breached."”
theprint.in
thehansindia.com
“"What is there to discuss when the government has not yet declared a drought and has not released money for relief?"”
theprint.in
thehansindia.com
Sources
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