Minister B. Nagendra Likely to Resign Over Valmiki Corporation Scam

Karnataka Planning and Statistics Minister B. Nagendra is likely to resign from the State Cabinet in Bengaluru, in a move aimed at preventing further embarrassment to the ruling Congress government amid escalating pressure from the Opposition over the Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribe Development Corporation scam.

The development comes a day after the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Janata Dal (Secular) announced a 10-day padayatra from Raichur to Ballari beginning September 1. The Opposition has been demanding Mr. Nagendra’s resignation over his alleged role in the embezzlement of funds from the government-owned corporation.

The possibility of Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot granting sanction for Mr. Nagendra’s prosecution, following a plea by the Central Bureau of Investigation, is also believed to have prompted the Minister to consider stepping down. The Governor has reportedly written to the State Cabinet seeking clarity on Mr. Nagendra’s continuation in the Ministry. The Enforcement Directorate has already filed a chargesheet regarding the alleged multi-crore scam.

Party sources said Mr. Nagendra spoke to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to express his desire to resign. While Mr. Shivakumar publicly stated that there was no such proposal at the moment and expressed faith in his leadership, he is scheduled to travel to Delhi to discuss the issue with Congress central leaders, including AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, K.C. Venugopal, and Randeep Singh Surjewala.

Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara confirmed that Mr. Shivakumar is expected to discuss the matter with the central leadership during the Delhi visit. However, Ministers Satish Jarkiholi, Madhu Bangarappa, and K.H. Muniyappa played down reports, stating they were unaware of the development.

The alleged irregularities in the corporation surfaced after accounts superintendent P. Chandrashekaran died by suicide in May 2024, leaving behind a note alleging unauthorised fund transfers. Mr. Nagendra, who had resigned from the Cabinet in June 2024, was later re-inducted in August 2026. The Opposition has stepped up its protests over the alleged ₹89.63-crore embezzlement, of which about ₹79 crore has reportedly been recovered so far.