B Nagendra Resignation Row Intensifies in Karnataka
Bengaluru: Karnataka Minister B Nagendra has been at the centre of a fresh resignation controversy amid renewed political pressure over alleged financial irregularities in the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation. While reports on Wednesday said Nagendra had offered to step down, the minister later denied that any resignation discussion had taken place.
B Nagendra Resignation Row
Reports said Nagendra had conveyed to Chief Minister D K Shivakumar that he was willing to resign amid mounting pressure from the Opposition. However, Nagendra subsequently dismissed the reports as untrue and said he had neither received a call from the Chief Minister’s Office nor held discussions about resigning.
The conflicting developments have created uncertainty over Nagendra’s position in the Karnataka Cabinet. The issue comes as the BJP continues to demand his removal and has intensified its protests against the Congress-led state government.
Valmiki Corporation Case Explained
The controversy is linked to alleged irregularities involving the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation. The case surfaced in 2024 after accounts officer P Chandrashekharan died by suicide and left a note alleging unauthorised transfers of corporation funds.
Investigating agencies subsequently examined alleged financial transactions involving around ₹89 crore. The wider case has also involved allegations concerning the diversion of corporation funds through fraudulent transactions. The allegations remain subject to legal proceedings and have not been established as guilt against Nagendra.
BJP Demands Nagendra’s Removal
The BJP has continued to target the Karnataka government over the case, demanding Nagendra’s resignation and accountability. Opposition leaders have also accused the government of failing to take adequate action over the alleged financial irregularities.
For now, the key development is the contradiction between reports of Nagendra offering to resign and his subsequent denial. Any decision regarding his Cabinet position will depend on further political and official developments.
