Valmiki scam: Teary-eyed Karnataka minister B Nagendra announces resignation
Karnataka minister B Nagendra resigned Friday amid scam allegations. He alleged a conspiracy targeting him as a tribal man. Nagendra had been re-inducted into the cabinet earlier this month. The controversy involves alleged diversion of corporation funds totaling Rs 89.63 crore. Opposition parties had demanded his resignation over the issue.
Bengaluru witnessed Karnataka Planning and Statistics Minister B Nagendra's announcement of his resignation, following a request from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for his prosecution in the alleged Rs 90 crore Maharishi Valmiki Scheduled Tribe Development Corporation scam. Nagendra, visibly distressed, claimed he was targeted due to his tribal identity, stating that he took the decision to resign to prevent embarrassment for his party leadership.
Despite the BJP's attempt to intimidate him through central agencies, Nagendra vowed to face the consequences, challenging the party to contest against him in Ballari, where he is ready to resign from his MLA position and face elections. The resignation comes amid mounting pressure from the CBI, which has sought sanction for Nagendra's prosecution in the Valmiki Corporation case, with Rs 84 crore of the amount reportedly recovered by the state government.
Opposition leader R Ashoka had confirmed three pending charge sheets against Nagendra, all lodged while alleging that the state government may withhold sanction for similar prosecution requests against BJP leaders Gali Janardhana Reddy and M P Renukacharya due to their affiliation with the BJP.
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Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Two resignations, same scam: Why B Nagendra quit Karnataka cabinet again timesofindia.indiatimes.com
