Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Shivakumar Challenges Opposition Debate on Nagendra Resignation Demand
The BJP and JD(S) want Minister B Nagendra removed from the Karnataka Cabinet.
They say he was involved in an alleged Rs 89 crore scam at a corporation for Scheduled Tribes.
Chief Minister D K Shivakumar says the opposition should ask for a formal discussion in the Legislature.
He says protests are allowed, but parliamentary rules should be followed.
Shivakumar noted that Nagendra had resigned earlier so an inquiry could take place.
He said the government later investigated the matter.
The Chief Minister offered to give the opposition one or two full days to discuss the issue.
He also said he would explain why Nagendra was brought back into the Cabinet.
Chief Minister D K Shivakumar challenged the BJP and JD(S) to seek a formal Legislature debate on Minister B Nagendra’s resignation.
The BJP has protested inside and outside Karnataka’s Legislature, alleging Nagendra’s involvement in an Rs 89 crore Valmiki corporation scam.
Shivakumar said the opposition should follow parliamentary procedure and submit notice before disrupting proceedings.
He said Nagendra had previously resigned to facilitate an inquiry and that the government later conducted an investigation.
Shivakumar offered one or two days for debate and said he would explain Nagendra’s return to the Cabinet.
- Who
- Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, Minister B Nagendra, and opposition parties BJP and JD(S).
- What
- Shivakumar challenged the opposition to formally seek a Legislature debate over demands for Nagendra’s resignation.
- When
- Friday; the alleged corporation scam occurred in 2024.
- Where
- The Karnataka Legislature, including its two Houses.
- Why
- The BJP and JD(S) are demanding Nagendra’s removal over alleged involvement in an Rs 89 crore scam, while Shivakumar says the allegations should be examined through a formal debate.
Government Position
Opposition Position
Need for a formal debate
Government Position
Shivakumar says the BJP and JD(S) should submit notice and present their allegations in the Legislature rather than disrupt proceedings.
Opposition Position
The BJP has staged demonstrations inside and outside both Houses while demanding Nagendra’s removal.
Nagendra’s responsibility
Government Position
Shivakumar questioned what new information justified renewed resignation demands and said he was ready to explain Nagendra’s reinduction into the Cabinet.
Opposition Position
The BJP alleges that Nagendra was involved in the Rs 89 crore Valmiki corporation scam and is using that allegation to demand his resignation.
Basis for allegations
Government Position
Shivakumar said it was unreasonable to label the minister or government corrupt without first holding a Legislature discussion.
Opposition Position
The opposition is seeking action based on its allegations and has referred to investigations involving agencies including the CBI, Enforcement Directorate, and SIT.
- Minister facing demands
- B Nagendra, Karnataka’s Planning and Statistics Minister
- Alleged scam
- Karnataka State Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation scam
- Reported amount
- Rs 89 crore
- Opposition parties
- BJP and JD(S)
- Earlier action
- Nagendra had resigned to facilitate an inquiry
- Debate offered
- Shivakumar offered one or two days for discussion
- Agencies mentioned
- CBI, Enforcement Directorate, and SIT