B Nagendra resigns from Karnataka Cabinet 25 days after re-induction

Karnataka Planning and Statistics Minister B Nagendra on Friday stepped down from the state Cabinet, just 25 days after returning to the ministry, amid allegations related to the Valmiki Corporation scam. He broke down in tears during press conference in Bengaluru while announcing the resignation.

Nagendra announced his decision soon after stating that he would meet Chief Minister D K Shivakumar before making the matter public at a press conference.

“Today I am voluntarily tendering my resignation as the minister,” B Nagendra told reporters, according to PTI.

Nagendra said he had formally handed over his resignation to Shivakumar.

The BJP and JD(S) had opposed his return to the Karnataka Cabinet, staging protests against his re-induction two years after he had stepped down over the same controversy.

The Opposition parties have accused him of being linked to the alleged ₹89-crore Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation scam.

Nagendra slams ‘manuwadis’

While announcing his resignation in an emotional and strained voice, Nagendra drew a comparison between the BJP’s criticism of him and Lord Rama’s killing of Shambuka in the Ramayana. He alleged that the "manuwadis", apparently referring to the BJP, were opposed to a tribal person achieving political prominence.

Shambuka is described as an ascetic in the Uttara Kanda of the Valmiki Ramayana. According to the text, Rama killed him for undertaking penance.

Nagendra stated he had decided to step down to avoid putting his party in an uncomfortable position and to prevent what he described as the conspiracies of "manuwadis and vile communal forces" from gaining influence in Karnataka’s political landscape.

The BJP’s protests in both Houses of the Karnataka Legislature had resulted in the Monsoon session being adjourned sine die on August 24, three days before it was originally scheduled to end.

The Opposition had also announced plans to undertake a march from Raichur to Ballari between September 1 and 10.

‘No role in the Valmiki Corporation scam’

Nagendra alleged that central investigating agencies had included his name in their second charge sheet "in a hurry".

"I have no role in the Valmiki Corporation scam. Did I sign anywhere, give any direction or write any note sheet?" he said.

He asked why Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had not stepped down when nationalised Union Bank of India was allegedly involved in the transfer of funds.

He also said he was willing to resign as an MLA and face the verdict of the "people's court".

Nagendra, who was serving as the Tribal Welfare Minister when the controversy came to light, had stepped down from the Karnataka Cabinet in June 2024. He returned to the state Cabinet on August 3, and was assigned the Planning and Statistics portfolio. His re-induction prompted the Opposition to renew calls for his removal.

Nagendra had earlier dismissed speculation about his resignation, maintaining that the allegations against him were "politically motivated".

(With inputs from agency)