1 week ago
Karnataka BJP Alleges Valmiki Corporation Funds Reached Rahul Gandhi
A Karnataka BJP leader accused the Congress-led government of mishandling money meant for tribal welfare.
He claimed some money from the Valmiki Corporation reached Rahul Gandhi’s home, but the report presents this as an allegation.
Investigators say about Rs 89 crore may have been diverted.
The case became public after a corporation employee died and left a note describing suspicious transfers.
The money was allegedly moved through unauthorized bank accounts and cooperative organizations.
A former minister, Nagendra, resigned and was arrested in connection with the case, according to the report.
He later received bail and has now returned to the Cabinet in a different role.
The BJP plans a march and further protests over the issue.
BJP leader B. Sriramulu alleged that misappropriated KMVSTDCL funds were routed to Rahul Gandhi’s residence.
The alleged Valmiki Corporation scam involved unauthorized transfers of tribal welfare funds and surfaced after an official’s suicide in May 2024.
The Enforcement Directorate and Central Bureau of Investigation have estimated the allegedly diverted funds at about Rs 89 crore.
The BJP will hold a 10-day padayatra from Raichur to Ballari from September 1 to September 10.
BJP and JD(S) leaders have said they will continue protests until former minister Nagendra is removed from the Cabinet.
- Who
- Former Karnataka minister and BJP leader B. Sriramulu made the allegations; the case involves the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation Limited and former minister Nagendra.
- What
- Sriramulu alleged that funds allegedly misappropriated from the corporation were routed to Rahul Gandhi’s residence and announced a BJP protest march.
- Where
- Sriramulu spoke at the BJP state headquarters in Bengaluru; the padayatra will run from Raichur to Ballari.
- When
- The allegations were made on Tuesday; the planned padayatra is scheduled for September 1 through September 10.
- Why
- The BJP says it is protesting alleged corruption, the handling of tribal welfare funds, alleged government negligence toward irrigation, and the treatment of Dalit issues.
Key facts
- Corporation
- Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation Limited (KMVSTDCL)
- Alleged amount
- The ED and CBI reportedly estimated the misappropriated and diverted funds at about Rs 89 crore.
- Case surfaced
- The alleged scam came to light in May 2024 after corporation superintendent Chandrasekar P. died by suicide and left a note.
- Alleged method
- Funds were allegedly transferred to unauthorized accounts, including accounts opened with forged KYC documents, and layered through shell cooperatives.
- Planned march
- The BJP’s 10-day padayatra is scheduled to begin in Raichur on September 1 and end in Ballari on September 10.
- Political demand
- The BJP and JD(S) have called for Nagendra’s removal from the Cabinet.
Quotes
B. Sriramulu
Former Karnataka minister and BJP leader
“The padayatra will highlight issues including the government’s alleged negligence towards irrigation, corruption in the ST Corporation and the Valmiki Corporation issue. The Congress has been neglecting Dalits. The BJP is undertaking this major padayatra because we will not allow injustice to be done to Dalits.”
thehansindia.com
“Protests were held in both the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. Congress leaders have betrayed Babasaheb Ambedkar, Babu Jagjivan Ram and the Dalit community.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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