Karnataka govt. defends Nagendra’s inclusion in Ministry, as Opposition continues to disrupt House proceedings
Quoting an affidavit filed in the Supreme Court, Parameshwara said criminal cases were pending against 251 Lok Sabha members, 75 Rajya Sabha members and 14 serving Chief Ministers across India
The ruling Congress party in Karnataka defended the decision to include B. Nagendra in the Cabinet despite his involvement in the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation embezzlement case, as the Opposition continued to disrupt proceedings in both Houses. Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara spoke in both the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council, emphasizing that of the ₹89.63 crore allegedly misappropriated, ₹79.68 crore had been recovered, and that Mr. Nagendra was not guilty based on the court's bail decision.
He also noted that criminal cases were pending against numerous high-ranking political figures, including 251 Lok Sabha members, 75 Rajya Sabha members, and 14 serving Chief Ministers. Mr. Nagendra, a Dalit leader and former ST Welfare Minister, alleged that he was targeted by the BJP and JD(S) due to his identity and that the Opposition could not tolerate his presence in the Cabinet.
He was ready to accept any punishment if convicted by a court. The Opposition's protests escalated, with the BJP staging a protest outside the Kengal Hanumanthaiah statue and later displaying placards in the House. The Speaker adjourned the House for lunch, and the BJP members escalated their protest by displaying placards upon the House's reassembly.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
