Ruling and opposition parties protest outside Vidhan Soudha in Bengaluru over resignation of B. Nagendra for embezzlement in Valmiki corporation
Political tensions in Karnataka have escalated as ruling and opposition parties held separate protests regarding the alleged embezzlement of funds in the Maharshi Valmiki Development Corporation. The opposition is demanding the resignation of Minister B. Nagendra, leading to significant disruptions in the legislative session.
Why it matters
The standoff illustrates the intense partisan conflict in Indian state politics and the impact of corruption allegations on legislative functionality.
Even as the Legislature session this week was almost washed out by opposition BJP and Janata Dal (Secular) seeking the resignation of Planning & Statistics Minister B. Nagendra , ruling and opposition parties staged separate protests on August 21.
While Congress leaders, including Mr. Nagendra, staged a protest in front of Mahatma Gandhi’s statue in the Vidhan Soudha premises, BJP legislators staged a protest in front of Maharshi Valmiki’s statue in the nearby Legislator’s Home premises.
The two sides are sparring over Mr. Nagendra, who had resigned as minister in 2024 after his name surfaced in the alleged embezzlement of ₹187 crore in the Maharshi Valmiki Development Corporation. He was inducted into the Cabinet a fortnight ago when Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar expanded his ministry.
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