BJP MLA Basavaraj Mattimadu and former MLA Rajkumar Patil Telkur demanded that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar seek the resignation of B. Nagendra, who was recently inducted into the State Cabinet, over the alleged ₹187 crore scam in the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation.

Addressing a joint press conference here on Wednesday, the BJP leaders questioned the need to re-induct Mr. Nagendra into the Cabinet while investigations into the alleged irregularities were still under way.

Mr. Mattimadu alleged that Mr. Nagendra was facing cases before multiple investigating agencies and would have to appear regularly in court. “Three cases are pending with the CBI, five cases have been registered with the Lokayukta, and one each with the SIT and CID. A total of 31 cases are under investigation,” he said.

“Mr. Nagendra had earlier resigned as Minister from Siddaramaiah’s Cabinet in connection with the Valmiki Corporation scam. Mr. Shivakumar must explain what compelled him to bring Mr. Nagendra back into the Cabinet. Was there any pressure from the Congress high command?” Mr. Telkur asked.

The BJP leaders said the alleged diversion of funds meant for Scheduled Tribe welfare was a serious matter. They noted that the then Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, had acknowledged the scam and stated that allegations and investigations against Mr. Nagendra were ongoing.

They alleged that funds from the corporation were diverted through bank accounts opened in Telangana and withdrawn for use during the Telangana elections, and said the details had figured in the Enforcement Directorate’s investigation. They also referred to corporation official P. Chandrashekhar, who reportedly ended his life after leaving a note concerning the alleged financial irregularities.

“Making a person, who is facing such serious allegations, a Minister again, without a clean chit, is unacceptable,” Mr. Telkur said, urging Mr. Shivakumar to drop Mr. Nagendra from the Cabinet and appoint another leader from the same community.

The BJP leaders said they would continue to raise the issue inside and outside the legislature and warned of protests outside Deputy Commissioners’ offices across the State until Mr. Nagendra resigns.

Published - August 12, 2026 08:58 pm IST