Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Priyank Kharge Challenges BJP’s Nagendra Resignation Demands Over Valmiki Scam
The BJP is protesting against Minister B Nagendra over an alleged money-related scam involving the Valmiki Corporation.
The party wants Nagendra to resign.
BJP leaders tried to reach the Karnataka legislature building in Bengaluru.
Police stopped them, and there were tense moments and scuffles.
Priyank Kharge, a minister in the state government, criticized the protest.
He said Nagendra had not been convicted and told the BJP to discuss the matter inside the Assembly.
Kharge also said an IAS officer reported as missing was actually on approved leave because of a family illness.
He promised strict action in a separate case involving public examinations and said the government was cooperating with investigators.
The BJP intensified protests demanding Minister B Nagendra’s resignation over the alleged Karnataka Dalit Valmiki Corporation scam.
Priyank Kharge asked whether Nagendra was convicted and urged the BJP to debate the issue inside the Assembly.
BJP leaders and legislators attempted to enter the Vidhana Soudha, resulting in scuffles with police at barricades.
Kharge said IAS officer Gyanendra was not missing but had submitted leave after his father fell ill.
Kharge said the government would take strict action in the KPSC case and was cooperating with the ED.
- Who
- The BJP, Minister B Nagendra, Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge, and Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka.
- What
- The BJP protested and demanded Nagendra’s resignation over the alleged Karnataka Dalit Valmiki Corporation scam.
- When
- The protest and confrontation occurred on Monday; Ashoka announced the planned action a day earlier.
- Where
- Outside the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
- Why
- The BJP alleged Nagendra’s involvement in the scam and sought accountability; Kharge said the matter should be debated in the Assembly.
Karnataka Government
BJP Opposition
Nagendra’s resignation
Karnataka Government
Priyank Kharge questioned whether Nagendra was a convicted person and said the government’s position had already been made public.
BJP Opposition
The BJP demanded Nagendra’s resignation, alleging his involvement in the Valmiki Corporation scam.
How the issue should be addressed
Karnataka Government
Kharge urged the BJP to submit a notice and debate the matter on the floor of the Assembly instead of staging street protests.
BJP Opposition
The BJP organized a protest march and attempted to enter the Vidhana Soudha as part of its demand for accountability.
Investigation and accountability
Karnataka Government
Kharge said the government had zero tolerance for corruption, would act against anyone found guilty, and was cooperating with investigators.
BJP Opposition
The BJP’s protest centered on its allegation that the alleged scam required ministerial accountability and Nagendra’s resignation.
- Issue
- Alleged multi-crore Karnataka Dalit Valmiki Corporation scam
- BJP demand
- Minister B Nagendra’s resignation
- Government response
- Priyank Kharge said Nagendra was not convicted and urged an Assembly debate
- Protest action
- BJP leaders and legislators tried to enter or lay siege to the Vidhana Soudha
- Police response
- Police blocked the protesters, leading to scuffles and tense stand-offs
- IAS officer clarification
- Kharge said Gyanendra had submitted a leave application because his father was ill
- KPSC case
- Kharge said there would be no compromise on corruption and that the government was cooperating with the ED