The Karnataka BJP on Monday intensified its protest against Minister B. Nagendra, demanding his removal from the cabinet over his alleged involvement in the Rs 187-crore Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation scam.
The BJP, which has been disrupting proceedings of the joint legislature during the Monsoon Session for several days, stepped up its agitation by attempting to lay siege to Vidhana Soudha through three separate teams.
One team, led by Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayana Swamy and MLA C.N. Ashwath Narayan, staged a protest at Freedom Park. Another team, led by Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashoka and State BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra, along with several party workers carrying placards, attempted to enter Vidhana Soudha. Police intervened and took several protesters into custody.
A third protest was held between Vikasa Soudha and Vidhana Soudha by MLC Ravikumar and C. T Ravi. At the council, the BJP MLCs disrupted the session again by shouting slogans against Nagendra.
The BJP has been demanding Nagendra’s resignation since allegations emerged over irregularities in the Valmiki Corporation. The alleged scam involved the unauthorised transfer of funds from the corporation’s bank accounts, prompting probes by the Enforcement Directorate and the Special Investigation Team.
Nagendra had resigned from the cabinet following the allegations. He was subsequently granted bail by the Karnataka High Court and later inducted into the cabinet during the second round of expansion, with the Planning and Statistics portfolio.
The BJP has accused the Congress government of protecting Nagendra and has sought to portray the issue as a fight for the interests of the Scheduled Tribe community, alleging that funds meant for the community were misused.
Meanwhile, the BJP’s ally JD(S) has been separately protesting against the proposed Bidadi township project through padayatras and rallies. With the two Opposition parties taking up separate issues, the government is facing intensified protests during the Monsoon Session.
