Karnataka BJP MLAs raise minister Nagendra’s ‘scam taint’, seek resignation

The Opposition disrupted proceedings in the Karnataka Assembly on Monday, demanding the resignation of newly appointed minister B Nagendra. Nagendra had to leave the Siddaramaiah Cabinet due to his alleged role in the Valmiki corporation scam. Opposition leader R Ashoka stated that the previous government admitted Rs 94 crore was misappropriated from the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation Limited in the scam.

If Nagendra is reinstated as minister, how can the honor of the House be preserved? Why was he removed initially? Why is he being brought back? The government should address these questions, Ashoka said, adding that until Nagendra is dismissed, the BJP will not permit the House to operate during the ongoing monsoon session, concluding on August 27.

Earlier, before the Speaker began Question Hour, BJP MLA Sunil Kumar questioned how the Opposition could expect answers from a tainted, corrupt minister, referring to Nagendra. The treasury benches objected to Kumar's comments, and Patil inquired, "You have not given me any notice (regarding discussion on the subject). Are there no rules for the House?"

Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda raised a point of order, alleging that the allegations against Nagendra violated House rules and sought a ruling from the Speaker. BJP members began chanting slogans, accusing the Congress of cheating the Valmiki community, while Patil requested Ashoka to provide a notice before discussing the matter.

The Speaker adjourned the House for lunch, and the protests persisted during the post-lunch session. Amid the vocal dissent, the Speaker initiated Question Hour before adjourning the session for the day. The Legislative Council also experienced similar behavior. Later, BJP MLC C T Ravi claimed that if the Congress had decided to fire a minister and reappoint him, it implies that the party's leadership is implicated in the scam.

He contended that the Congress had wronged the Scheduled Tribes community by appointing Nagendra as a minister, stating that the protests would persist until Nagendra is dismissed.