Bharatiya Janata Party leaders on Monday, 24 August marched to Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru and urged Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to seek a formal explanation from Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar over the re-induction of Planning and Statistics Minister B. Nagendra — an accused in the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation scam — into the state Cabinet. The BJP also demanded that the Governor call for a status report on all CBI, Lokayukta, and related criminal proceedings against Nagendra.

The Protest and Memorandum

BJP leaders took out a protest march from Vidhana Soudha to Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru on Monday evening, shortly after the Karnataka Legislature's Monsoon Session was adjourned sine die. Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashoka, Karnataka BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra, Legislative Council Leader of Opposition Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, and other BJP leaders participated in the march. A formal memorandum was subsequently submitted to the Governor.

The protest followed the BJP's announcement of an overnight demonstration within the Legislature premises, demanding Nagendra's resignation. Heightened tension between the ruling Indian National Congress and the BJP over the Valmiki Corporation issue had marked the session's final hours.

What the Memorandum Said

In the memorandum, Ashoka noted that Nagendra had previously resigned from the Cabinet headed by then-Chief Minister Siddaramaiah amid serious allegations of diversion of public funds linked to the Valmiki Corporation. He argued that the circumstances leading to that resignation had not changed — and had, in fact, intensified, with criminal chargesheets now filed in the case.

'Yet, despite the continuing proceedings, Shri Nagendra has now found a place in the Cabinet headed by Shri D.K. Shivakumar,' Ashoka said, questioning what had changed to justify the re-induction.

Ashoka acknowledged that the pendency of a criminal case does not legally bar a person from holding public office, but argued that constitutional morality and public confidence must guide a Chief Minister's choices in forming the Council of Ministers.

Constitutional Arguments Invoked

The BJP leader cited Article 164(1) of the Constitution, which governs the appointment of Ministers by the Governor on the advice of the Chief Minister. He urged the Governor to exercise his constitutional role and request the Chief Minister to reconsider his advice in light of the ongoing proceedings.

Ashoka also invoked the Supreme Court judgment in Manoj Narula v. Union of India, which laid down principles of constitutional morality, probity, and good governance. 'This is not an appeal to prejudge the criminal trial or to pronounce upon the guilt or innocence of Shri Nagendra. That determination belongs exclusively to the courts,' he said, framing the BJP's demand as one of upholding a higher standard of executive accountability.

Political Context

The Valmiki Corporation scam involves allegations of illegal diversion of funds meant for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes communities. Nagendra's original resignation from the Siddaramaiah Cabinet had been seen as a concession to mounting political pressure. His re-induction under Shivakumar has reignited the controversy, with the BJP arguing that bringing him back into the ministry while criminal proceedings continue undermines public trust in the government.

The BJP has maintained its demand for Nagendra's resignation since his return to the Cabinet. With the Legislature session now concluded, the party's focus appears to shift toward sustained pressure through the Governor's office and public mobilisation.