Karnataka BJP to intensify stir over Nagendra's resignation; to protest before Valmiki statue

Bengaluru, Aug 20 (AHN) The Karnataka BJP on Thursday announced that it would intensify its protest over the alleged Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation scam, with Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka stating that the party would launch a protest from Friday near the Valmiki statue.

The BJP has been disrupting proceedings in the Karnataka Assembly for the past four days, demanding the resignation of Minister B. Nagendra over the alleged scam and seeking a discussion on the issue.

Speaking to reporters, after staging protest against Nagendra at Vidhana Soudha, Ashoka accused the state government of preventing the Assembly from functioning and said the Opposition wanted to raise several issues, including the NICE project, the Bidadi land aquisition, drought, KPSC and ration cards.

“This government has created a situation where the House cannot function for the sake of one minister. We will not stop until this government is removed. We will begin our protest from the Valmiki statue tomorrow,” Ashoka said.

Ashoka alleged that Rs 189 crore meant for the welfare of Scheduled Tribe communities had been misappropriated and said the BJP had been protesting on behalf of the community for the past four days.

Ashoka also accused the state of failing to declare drought-hit areas and release funds, and alleged that the government was deliberately preventing discussions in the House.

There are 31 cases against Nagendra, including those by the Lokayukta; the CBI has filed charge sheets in three cases. In them, Nagendra has been mentioned as the primary accused, Ashoka alleged.

Meanwhile, BJP MLC C.T. Ravi demanded the resignation of Minister B. Nagendra, alleging that his return to the Cabinet was unacceptable while the Valmiki Corporation case was still under investigation.

Addressing reporters at the BJP office in Vidhana Soudha, Ravi alleged that Nagendra had played a role in the alleged diversion of funds to fake bank accounts.

“Instead of giving Nagendra the Statistics portfolio, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar should give him the Finance portfolio. If he is made Finance Minister, he will know how to transfer the state treasury’s money to bank accounts across the country and loot it,” C.T. Ravi alleged.

C.T. Ravi said Nagendra had secured bail subject to conditions in connection with the Valmiki Corporation case but had not been acquitted of the allegations.

“The BJP will continue its protest until Nagendra resigns. Getting bail does not mean getting a clean chit. The court has not acquitted him,” he said.

“Corruption has no caste. Nagendra says he is being targeted because he belongs to the Scheduled Tribe community. But the money that was allegedly misappropriated belonged to the Scheduled Tribes and was meant for their welfare,” Ravi said.

He also referred to the death note left by Valmiki Corporation official Chandrashekhar, alleging that it named several individuals in connection with the alleged irregularities.

Ravi further alleged that oral instructions from Nagendra, who was the minister in charge at the time, played a significant role in the alleged diversion of funds.

He also alleged that meetings were held at a hotel in Bengaluru and that instructions were subsequently issued for the transfer of funds to different accounts.

Ravi claimed that the role of another accused, identified as Nagaraj, who was allegedly Nagendra’s personal assistant, had also been mentioned in an interim report.

Ravi said the BJP was demanding Nagendra’s resignation on constitutional grounds and accused the minister of violating constitutional values.

“The Constitution protects every Indian, but it does not protect the corrupt. It provides for punishment for those who commit corruption,” he said.

He also alleged that the misappropriated funds had been routed to businesses including luxury car showrooms, bars and jewellery stores.

“Chief ministers say they will not tolerate corruption, but making those accused of a multi-crore loot ministers is like preaching the Bhagavad Gita from the mouth of a demon,” Ravi said.

The BJP has vowed to continue its agitation until Nagendra resigns, while the government is yet to respond to the latest allegations by the Opposition.