'Manuwadis targeted me': How Nagendra turned his resignation into a fight against BJP
Karnataka minister B Nagendra has resigned following allegations of involvement in a Rs 90 crore scam at the Maharishi Valmiki Scheduled Tribe Development Corporation. He claims he is being targeted by 'Manuwadis' due to his tribal identity and has challenged the BJP to face him in the court of public opinion.
Why it matters
The resignation highlights ongoing political tensions in Karnataka and the use of central investigative agencies in state-level political disputes.
BENGALURU: Karnataka Planning and Statistics minister B Nagendra on Friday announced his resignation, days after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) sought sanction for his prosecution from governor Thaawarchand Gehlot in connection with the alleged Rs 90 crore Maharishi Valmiki Scheduled Tribe Development Corporation scam.A visibly emotional Nagendra made the announcement at a press conference in Bengaluru, alleging that he had been targeted because of his tribal identity."Manuwadis targeted me because they don't want a tribal man to grow," he said, adding that he had taken the decision "with a heavy heart" to ensure that his party leadership was not embarrassed.Nagendra took a defiant tone even as he stepped down, asserting that the BJP could not intimidate him using central agencies."They (BJP) can't scare me with ED, CBI," he said, challenging the party to contest against him in Ballari.
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