Bengaluru: Once again a big stir has been seen in the politics of Karnataka. Minister B Nagendra resigned from DK Shivakumar's cabinet on Friday evening. He had to take this step within just 25 days of assuming the post of minister. While announcing his resignation, B Nagendra looked very emotional and had tears in his eyes.
Had to resign for the second time
This is not the first time that B Nagendra had to resign from the cabinet due to this controversy. Earlier in June 2024 also, he had resigned from the post of Tribal Welfare Minister in the Siddaramaiah government. He was then accused of unauthorized diversion of funds from Valmiki Corporation.
After DK Shivakumar became the Chief Minister, he was again included in the cabinet in the first week of August, but due to pressure from the opposition, he had to step down again.
Said emotionally – Being targeted because of being a Dalit
Speaking to reporters, an emotional Nagendra said, "Today I am resigning from the post of minister of my own free will." He alleged that he was being targeted because he was a Dalit.
VIDEO | Bengaluru: "I am submitting my resignation to CM today to ensure party does not face any embarrassment."says Karnataka Minister Nagendra. pic.twitter.com/3ysOZovm5v
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 28, 2026
Pointing towards BJP he said, "Manuwadis targeted me because they did not want any tribal person to move forward in the country." Nagendra raised the question, "Is my signature anywhere in the Valmiki transaction? Why am I being held responsible when banks were involved in the alleged transactions? Is the Union Finance Minister responsible then?" He said, "The people of Karnataka are watching everything. Thousands of lies have been told against me every day."
Increased pressure from BJP-JDS
BJP and JD(S) were continuously demanding Nagendra's resignation. The opposition has accused him of being linked to the alleged diversion of funds from Maharishi Valmiki Scheduled Tribe Development Corporation and protested inside and outside the assembly. Both the parties have also announced to conduct a padyatra from Raichur to Ballari from 1 to 10 September.
What is Valmiki Corporation Scam?
This whole controversy started in May 2024 when P Chandrasekaran, Accounts Superintendent of Maharishi Valmiki Scheduled Tribe Development Corporation, committed suicide. In his six-page suicide note, he had alleged irregularities and unauthorized transfers of corporation funds. Investigation revealed that Rs 89.63 crore was transferred from the Corporation account to the Union Bank of India account and then sent to many other accounts.