Karnataka Minister B. Nagendra quits Cabinet over Valmiki Corporation fund row

B. Nagendra, Karnataka's Planning and Statistics Minister, resigned from the state Cabinet on Friday, just 25 days after being re-inducted. The resignation comes amid allegations of fund embezzlement from the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation Ltd.

Announcing his decision at a press conference at the State Secretariat, Nagendra maintained his innocence, stating he had no role in the scam. He said he stepped down to avoid embarrassment to his party and the government. He also resigned from the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, challenging the BJP to contest him in the Ballari Rural constituency.

This marks the second time Nagendra has resigned over the issue. He previously quit in June 2024 while serving as Minister for Scheduled Tribes Welfare, Youth Empowerment and Sports. A four-time MLA, he was re-inducted into the Cabinet on August 3, becoming the first minister to resign since D.K. Shivakumar took over as Chief Minister on June 3.

The decision followed a meeting between Chief Minister Shivakumar and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Delhi. Nagendra, who was also in the national capital, is believed to have resigned after discussions with the party's central leadership. The Opposition BJP and JD(S) had intensified pressure for his removal during the recent monsoon session, with a planned 10-day padayatra from Raichur to Ballari from September 1 adding to the political heat.

The alleged fraud came to light after corporation accounts superintendent P. Chandrashekharan was found dead on May 26, 2024. A note attributed to him alleged illegal fund transfers to various accounts, including those linked to IT companies and a Hyderabad-based cooperative bank. The Enforcement Directorate has filed a chargesheet in the case, and the CBI has also investigated. Reports suggest the possibility of the Governor granting sanction for prosecution may have influenced the decision.