Published Aug 28, 2026 | 7:25 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 28, 2026 | 7:25 PM
B Nagendra
Synopsis: Nagendra said he had handed over his resignation to the party high command and denied any role in the ₹89-crore scam. The BJP was planning a Raichur-to-Bellari padayatra to press for his resignation.
Karnataka Minister for Planning and Statistics B Nagendra resigned from the DK Shivakumar Cabinet on Friday, 28 August, amidst allegations of playing a role in the ₹89-crore irregularities in the state Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation.
Nagendra stepped down from the Cabinet even as the BJP planned a 10-day Raichur-to-Bellari padayatra from 1 September to seek his resignation.
Denying any role in the alleged irregularities, Nagendra said he had met the party high command and submitted his resignation.
Shivakumar met the high command on Thursday, 27 August, and asked the national leaders to decide on Nagendra before 1 September.
The BJP had repeatedly raised the issue and demanded the minister’s resignation during the recently concluded Assembly session.
The CBI has also sought Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot’s sanction to prosecute Nagendra in the case, a development that intensified BJP-JD(S) demands for his removal.
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Caught in a bind, Nagendra had offered to resign to prevent further embarrassment to the party, particularly amid the possibility of the Governor granting sanction to prosecute him.
The Valmiki scam pertains to allegations of embezzlement of funds and other irregularities in the state-owned Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribe Development Corporation.
The issue came to light in May 2024, when the corporation’s accounts superintendent, P Chandrashekaran, died by suicide. In his suicide note, Chandrashekaran alleged massive unauthorised fund transfers in the corporation, prompting an investigation.
The probe uncovered further irregularities and alleged embezzlement of funds amounting to ₹ 89.63 crore, triggering a major controversy and leading to demands for the resignation of B Nagendra, who was the Tribal Welfare Minister at the time.
Nagendra stepped down on 6 June 2024. However, he was inducted back into the Cabinet in August 2026 under the DK Shivakumar-led government, triggering protests from opposition parties.
