Karnataka Minister B Nagendra Likely To Resign Over Corruption Allegations

Under fire from the BJP over corruption allegations, Karnataka Minister B Nagendra is likely to resign from the DK Shivakumar Cabinet, sources have told NDTV. 

The Opposition BJP has been demanding Nagendra's removal from the Cabinet over the alleged Rs 89 crore irregularities in the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation.

Although Nagendra told NDTV that he has not decided yet on quitting, sources say that it's a matter of time. Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is set to visit Delhi on Thursday to discuss one ministerial position still vacant in his Cabinet with the Congress high command. Issue of Nagendra's resignation is also likely to be discussed in the meeting.

Sources said that the Congress leadership is concenrned about prosecution sanction being sought by the CBI against Nagendra from governor Thawar Chand Gehlot.  

The alleged scam came to light after the corporation's accounts officer Chandrasekharan P died by suicide in May 2024, leaving behind a note alleging unauthorised transfer of funds. Investigations subsequently alleged that large sums were transferred from the corporation's bank accounts to various accounts, triggering a political controversy and demands for Nagendra's resignation.

Nagendra, who was then the Tribal Welfare Minister in the Siddaramaiah cabinet, had resigned in June 2024 amid the controversy. He was later re-inducted into the Cabinet on August 3 after Shivakumar took over as chief minister. 

The Karnataka BJP has announced its 10-day padayatra from Raichur to Ballari from September 1 to 10 to highlight the alleged failures of the Congress government in the state.

BJP plans to highlight the induction of B Nagendra, who is facing corruption charges, in the state cabinet, apart from allegations of farmers' distress, unemployment, reservation issues and corruption in recruitment, he added.

This around 200 km foot march will begin in Raichur on September 1, and Union Minister Pralhad Joshi will inaugurate it, and the march will conclude in Ballari, party state president B Y Vijayendra said on Tuesday.