1 week ago
Karnataka Tribal Welfare Scam Sparks Ministerial Defense, Opposition Attack
Karnataka is arguing about money allegedly taken from a tribal welfare corporation.
Minister B. Nagendra has been accused in connection with the case.
Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah says there is no proof that Nagendra was involved.
He says the allegations are politically motivated.
Yathindra says about Rs 89 crore was misappropriated.
He also says most or all of the missing money and assets have been recovered.
Opposition leader R. Ashoka says the government is protecting Nagendra.
Ashoka claims money went to hundreds of bank accounts and was used to buy expensive items.
The BJP plans to continue protesting and may ask the Governor to intervene.
Yathindra Siddaramaiah defended Minister B. Nagendra, saying no evidence proves his involvement in the alleged scam.
Yathindra said about Rs 89 crore was misappropriated, with most funds and assets reportedly recovered.
Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka accused the state government of shielding Nagendra and withholding prosecution permission.
Ashoka cited alleged transfers to about 600 accounts, luxury-car and gold purchases, and links to Nagendra.
The BJP said its protests would continue and that it may approach Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot.
- Who
- Karnataka Ministers Yathindra Siddaramaiah and B. Nagendra, Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka, the BJP, and investigating agencies including the Central Bureau of Investigation.
- What
- A political dispute over allegations that funds from the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation were misappropriated and over whether Nagendra should face further investigation.
- Where
- Yathindra spoke in Kalaburagi, while the political dispute also involves Bengaluru, the Karnataka Assembly, and Raj Bhavan.
- When
- The statements were made on Sunday; the dispute is ongoing.
- Why
- The dispute follows reported allegations against Nagendra, a reported CBI request to question him, and the BJP's demand for accountability and his resignation.
Government and Ministerial Defense
Opposition and BJP Allegations
Nagendra's alleged involvement
Government and Ministerial Defense
Yathindra Siddaramaiah said there is no evidence proving Nagendra's involvement and said the SIT found no basis to make him an accused.
Opposition and BJP Allegations
R. Ashoka alleged that Nagendra's name appeared in investigation records and the SIT report, and questioned why his properties were seized if there was no wrongdoing.
Scale and recovery of funds
Government and Ministerial Defense
Yathindra acknowledged that money left the corporation but said about Rs 89 crore was misappropriated and that the missing money had been recovered through cash, other assets, cars, and related seizures.
Opposition and BJP Allegations
Ashoka cited alleged transfers to around 600 accounts and claimed funds were used to buy luxury cars and gold and sent to Nagendra's relatives, associates, and farmhouse owners.
Investigation permission and political protection
Government and Ministerial Defense
The ruling Congress position is that allegations by the ED and CBI alone do not establish guilt and that the matter should proceed through the legal process.
Opposition and BJP Allegations
Ashoka accused the D.K. Shivakumar-led government of withholding prosecution sanction and said the BJP would continue its agitation and approach the Governor if necessary.
Key facts
- Minister defended
- Yathindra Siddaramaiah defended Planning and Statistics Minister B. Nagendra.
- Alleged misappropriation
- Yathindra said around Rs 89 crore had been misappropriated.
- Reported recovery
- Yathindra said about Rs 74 crore was seized in cash and other forms, while roughly Rs 10 crore was recovered through cars and other assets.
- CBI communication
- Reports said the Central Bureau of Investigation wrote to Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot seeking permission to question Nagendra.
- Opposition allegation
- R. Ashoka accused the state government of refusing prosecution permission and shielding ministers.
- Accounts cited
- Ashoka claimed corporation funds were transferred to around 600 bank accounts.
- Planned action
- Ashoka said the BJP would continue protests and may approach the Governor.
Quotes
Yathindra Siddaramaiah
Karnataka Urban Development Minister defending B. Nagendra
“The ED and CBI work under the Centre. There is no evidence to prove the involvement of Minister Nagendra in the scam. He has been targeted for political reasons.”
thehansindia.com
“The corruption in D.K. Shivakumar's Cabinet is increasing. Therefore, the state government is not granting permission for prosecution.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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