Karnataka Planning and Statistics Minister B. Nagendra offered his resignation from the state Cabinet on Friday, 28 August, with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announcing he would take a final call on 29 August after consulting the Congress high command. The development comes amid sustained pressure from the opposition over alleged irregularities linked to Nagendra.

What Nagendra Said and Why

Nagendra met Shivakumar and conveyed his willingness to step down in the interest of the party, stating he did not wish the controversy surrounding him to embarrass the Congress government or disrupt the ongoing Assembly session. Shivakumar confirmed that Nagendra had formally handed over his resignation letter.

'He does not want to embarrass the party. He is a true Congress Dalit leader,' Shivakumar said, adding that the minister had 'sacrificed his ministerial position for the second time over the same matter.'

Chief Minister's Defence of Nagendra

Shivakumar said he was personally pained by the development, noting that Nagendra belongs to the Scheduled Caste community and had defeated a senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader twice in elections. The Chief Minister maintained that after studying the allegations and receiving a briefing from his legal team, he found Nagendra to be 'nowhere connected' to the alleged irregularities.

'I have been telling that he is ready to sacrifice anything for the party. He has proved it today,' Shivakumar said, expressing confidence that Nagendra would 'soon come out of the allegations.'

Governor's Prosecution Sanction Request

Shivakumar also addressed a communication received from the Governor seeking sanction for prosecution in the matter. He said several aspects needed examination and that a decision would be taken within the legal framework. 'I cannot discriminate in legal matters. I will decide accordingly about prosecution,' he said.

BJP and JD-S Angle

When asked whether Nagendra's resignation amounted to a political victory for the BJP and Janata Dal (Secular) (JD-S), Shivakumar flatly rejected the framing. 'How is it a win? Dominating over one Dalit leader over false allegations, is it a win for them? Let them be happy,' he said, questioning the opposition's stance on Dalits and the poor.

The BJP had been demanding Nagendra's removal and its protests had repeatedly disrupted the Assembly session. Shivakumar indicated the Congress would respond to the opposition's allegations 'at an appropriate time.'

What Happens Next

Shivakumar is expected to speak with the Congress high command and announce a decision on Saturday morning, 29 August. The final call on whether to accept the resignation will hinge on the party leadership's assessment of the political fallout, particularly given Nagendra's identity as a prominent Dalit face of the Karnataka Congress.