Karnataka Minister Nagendra resigns, Congress says his decision does not prove guilt
Karnataka Congress president B K Hariprasad has defended former minister B Nagendra following his resignation amid allegations linked to the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation scam.
Nagendra stepped down as Karnataka’s Planning and Statistics Minister on August 28. He became emotional while announcing his resignation at a press conference.
The controversy concerns alleged financial irregularities involving funds connected with the Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation, the Scheduled Tribes Welfare Department and the Karnataka German Technical Training Institute.
Nagendra had previously resigned from the Scheduled Tribes Welfare portfolio in 2024 amid allegations surrounding the case. His latest resignation came roughly 25 days after he returned to the cabinet during Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s cabinet expansion.
The resignation followed continued attacks from opposition parties, including the BJP and JD(S).
Hariprasad, however, said Nagendra stepping down should not be interpreted as proof that he committed any offence. He argued that determining guilt was the responsibility of investigating agencies and the courts.
According to Hariprasad, Nagendra resigned as an act of moral responsibility intended to protect the credibility of elected representatives. He also accused the BJP of portraying the development as a political victory and alleged that the party followed different standards when dealing with political opponents and leaders who later joined the BJP.