Bengaluru: Protests Intensify as Opposition Demands Minister Nagendra's Resignation Over Fund Embezzlement

Bengaluru, August 21: The Karnataka legislature session remained disrupted for a fifth consecutive day on Thursday as ruling and opposition parties staged separate protests over the re-induction of Minister B. Nagendra, who faces allegations of embezzling ₹187 crore from the Maharshi Valmiki Development Corporation.

Congress leaders, including Mr. Nagendra, gathered in front of Mahatma Gandhi's statue within the Vidhan Soudha premises, while BJP legislators held a demonstration near Maharshi Valmiki's statue at the Legislator's Home. The rival protests came as the opposition BJP and Janata Dal (Secular) continued to demand Mr. Nagendra's removal from the Cabinet, arguing that his return to office undermines accountability.

Mr. Nagendra had resigned as minister in 2024 after his name surfaced in the alleged financial irregularities. He was inducted into the Cabinet two weeks ago when Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar expanded his ministry, drawing sharp criticism from opposition parties.

Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok told reporters that the alleged scam had deprived Scheduled Tribe communities of essential funds. “The money could have been used for educational loans or small business support. Instead, it was siphoned off into multiple accounts, including a transfer of ₹1.20 crore to a family member,” he said, releasing documents he claimed showed violations of Finance Department rules.

Mr. Ashok also pointed to multiple legal proceedings against Mr. Nagendra. “Three charge sheets have been filed by the CBI, one by the Enforcement Directorate, and 31 by the Lokayukta,” he said.

BJP legislators, wearing black T-shirts with the message ‘corrupt Nagendra’, attempted to enter the Legislative Assembly but were initially stopped by marshals. They later forced their way into the premises, witnesses said.

Meanwhile, Congress leaders and legislators held a counter-protest, accusing the opposition of paralyzing the legislature and ignoring pressing state issues. State Congress President B.K. Hariprasad said the disruptions were preventing discussions on drought, drinking water, and fodder shortages in several districts. “The BJP is disrupting the house to protect the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister from questions about central fund releases,” he claimed.

He added, “If a corruption charge is proven against any of our leaders, the party will act. Seven BJP chief ministers face serious charges; they should not lecture us.”

The legislature has been largely non-functional since August 17, with only a few Question Hour sessions and a couple of bills cleared amid the uproar. The government has sought ₹10,000 crore in drought relief from the Centre and requested a central team to assess the situation.

The standoff shows no signs of immediate resolution, with both sides digging in. The opposition insists on Mr. Nagendra's resignation as a precondition for allowing legislative business, while the government maintains that the minister is innocent until proven guilty and that the opposition is obstructing democracy.