B Nagendra Resigns: Karnataka Minister Breaks Down Over Valmiki Scam Row, Says Quitting To Avoid Party Embarrassment (Video)

Karnataka Planning and Statistics Minister B Nagendra resigned from the state Cabinet on Friday, August 28, amid sustained BJP pressure over alleged irregularities in the Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation. Nagendra became emotional and broke down while announcing his resignation at a press conference.

The resignation comes after days of political pressure over allegations linked to the corporation, which is meant to support the state's Scheduled Tribes. The BJP had repeatedly demanded Nagendra's removal and intensified its protests ahead of a planned 10-day padayatra from Raichur to Ballari. Karnataka KPSC Row: Kumaraswamy Demands Priyank Kharge’s Resignation, Minister Says ‘I Know Where IAS Officer Is’.

Karnataka Minister B Nagendra Resigns

B Nagendra Says He Resigned Voluntarily

At the press conference, Nagendra said he was stepping down voluntarily and did not want his decision to cause embarrassment to the Congress. "I am submitting my resignation to CM today to ensure party does not face any embarrassment", says Karnataka Minister Nagendra. He also said, "I am resigning of my own will to avoid the embarrassment that may cost my party because of unnecessary allegations made by the opposition party against me."

Nagendra defended himself against the allegations and questioned the BJP over the evidence against him. "I believe in the Constitution... We asked the BJP many times to come and discuss the allegations against me in the Assembly, but they didn't... Where is the proof?" He alleged that the BJP wants to "impose the Manusmriti" and has an "anti-tribal mindset"; and said he was being attacked "because I am Dalit".

Valmiki Corporation Row At Centre Of Controversy

The political controversy centres on alleged irregularities of Rs 89 crore in the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation. The issue came to light after the corporation's accounts officer Chandrasekharan P died by suicide in May 2024. He left behind a note alleging unauthorised transfer of funds.

Subsequent investigations found that large sums had been transferred from the corporation's bank accounts to various other accounts. The BJP has continued to raise the issue and has demanded accountability from the Congress government. The party held protests in Bengaluru earlier this week, including demonstrations seeking Nagendra's resignation.

2nd Resignation Over Same Controversy

Nagendra had previously resigned as Tribal Welfare Minister in June 2024 amid the controversy surrounding the Valmiki Corporation. He was later re-inducted into the Karnataka Cabinet on August 3 after D K Shivakumar became chief minister. Nagendra was assigned the Planning and Statistics portfolio.

His return to the Cabinet had renewed BJP criticism, with the Opposition making his re-induction a central issue in its campaign against the Congress government.

BJP Plans Raichur-Ballari Padayatra

The BJP has announced a 10-day foot march from Raichur to Ballari from September 1 to 10. The party plans to highlight what it describes as failures of the Congress government, including the Valmiki Corporation controversy, farmer distress, unemployment and alleged corruption in recruitment.

Nagendra said he did not want to hand the BJP an issue for the planned protest march. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi is scheduled to inaugurate the march, while state BJP chief BY Vijayendra had announced the programme. The BJP had already stepped up pressure on the government in recent days, with senior leaders participating in protests demanding Nagendra's removal.

B Nagendra's Political Journey

Nagendra won on the BJP ticket in 2008 and later contested as an independent candidate in 2013 from Kudligi. He joined the Congress in 2018 and won twice consecutively from Bellary, a Scheduled Tribe-reserved constituency. He subsequently became an important ST leader within the Congress and served as Tribal Welfare Minister in the Siddaramaiah-led government.

Nagendra's resignation comes shortly after he had denied reports that he was preparing to quit. On August 26, he described reports of an impending resignation as "completely untrue". Two days later, he announced his decision to step down, bringing renewed focus to the Valmiki Corporation controversy and the political battle between the Congress government and the BJP.

The allegations surrounding the corporation remain the subject of investigation and political dispute. Nagendra has denied wrongdoing and has questioned the Opposition's evidence against him. His resignation is also likely to remain a key issue as the BJP prepares for its September padayatra across the state's ST-dominated Raichur and Ballari region.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 28, 2026 07:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).