B Nagendra Resigns Again Amid ₹89 Crore Valmiki Corporation Scam Controversy

Karnataka Planning and Statistics Minister B Nagendra on Friday resigned from the state Cabinet, just 25 days after being re-inducted, amid renewed allegations linked to the alleged ₹89-crore Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation scam.

Announcing his decision in an emotional press conference, Nagendra said he was voluntarily tendering his resignation and had submitted it to Chief Minister D K Shivakumar. He said he did not want to embarrass the Congress party or the government, while alleging that “Manuwadis” and communal forces were targeting him because he was a tribal leader.

Nagendra denied any role in the alleged financial irregularities, questioning whether he had signed any document, issued directions or written any note sheet connected to the case. He also alleged that his name was included in a second charge sheet filed by central agencies “in a hurry”.

The BJP and JD(S) have been protesting Nagendra’s re-induction and demanding accountability over the alleged fund diversion. The BJP’s agitation in both Houses of the Karnataka Legislature contributed to the abrupt adjournment of the Monsoon session on August 24. The Opposition has also announced a march from Raichur to Ballari from September 1 to 10. Reacting to the resignation, Shivakumar said Nagendra had stepped down in the interest of the party and to avoid embarrassment to the government. However, he maintained that Nagendra was in no way connected to the alleged scam and had done nothing wrong.

Shivakumar said he would consult the Congress high command before deciding whether to accept the resignation. He also said he would examine the legal provisions concerning the Governor’s request for permission to prosecute Nagendra, stressing that the law must be applied uniformly. Rejecting claims that the resignation was a victory for the BJP-JD(S), Shivakumar accused the Opposition of making false allegations against an ST leader.

Nagendra had earlier resigned as minister in 2024 over the controversy and was subsequently arrested by the Enforcement Directorate before securing bail. He has consistently denied wrongdoing and has now said he is prepared to resign as an MLA and face the “people’s court”.