BJP members began a day-and-night protest in Belagavi on Monday demanding the resignation of Minister B. Nagaendra on the charge of corruption in the Maharshi Valmiki Development Corporation during his earlier stint as Minister in the Siddaramaiah Cabinet.
The BJP members walked from the Kittur Channamma Circle to the Deputy Commissioner's office.
The party leaders accused Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar of yielding to political compulsions in appointing for the second time Mr. Nagendra who is facing the charge of financial misappropriation.
They also accused the State government of not taking proper steps to tackle drought and not releasing scholarships to students on time.
MLA Abhay Patil said that it is absolutely unacceptable that the Congress has appointed Mr. Nagendra as Minister though he was jailed for irregularities in the corporation, in the past.
He said that Mr. Nagendra is involved in misappropriation of ₹187 crore in the corporation. He demanded the immediate resignation of Mr. Nagendra. He said that protests will continue to be organised across the State till the Minister resigns.
The former MLA Sanjay Patil described Mr. Shivakumar as the vice-chancellor of the university of corruption.
"He is protecting all corrupt leaders like Mr. Nagendra and also, the former Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar who is involved in diversion of funds under the Gruha Laxmi scheme,” he said.
Mr. Sanjay Patil said that Mr. Nagendra used the proceeds of corruption on financing elections and buying luxury cars.
The former MP Anna Saheb Jolle accused the Congress government of financial irresponsibilties and demanded accountability.
“The State government is not only corrupt but also inefficient. It has failed to distribute social welfare pensions to the poor and physically challenged people on time. The State government’s failure in taking steps to mitigate drought are evident. Forget about paying compensation, it has failed to take up proper crop loss assessment,” Mr. Jolle said.
The former MLAs Anil Benake and Rajiv Pandappa Lamani, BJP district president Subhash Patil and others were present.
Published - August 17, 2026 06:43 pm IST