Karnataka Planning and Statistics Minister B. Nagendra on Friday, 28 August resigned from the state Cabinet, citing a desire to shield the Indian National Congress and its leadership from political fallout over the alleged Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation scam. The announcement was made at a joint press conference at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru.

Nagendra, who became visibly emotional during the address, maintained his innocence and said the resignation was a personal decision, not an admission of guilt. He stated that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had told him he was innocent and did not need to step down, but that he was proceeding regardless to protect the party.

'Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has told me that I am innocent at all levels. But, on my own, and to ensure that the party is not embarrassed because of me, I am submitting my resignation letter to the Chief Minister,' Nagendra said.

Nagendra's Defence Against the Allegations

The outgoing minister strongly contested the charges, pointing out that multiple investigations — including by the CID and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) — had already been conducted. He noted that he had been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and spent three months in jail before being released on bail. He also disclosed that his name appeared in the second chargesheet in the case but not the first.

'Have I signed anywhere? Have I issued any order? Have you recovered even one rupee from me?' he asked, directly challenging the allegations.

Nagendra further questioned the Governor's decision to grant sanction for prosecution against him while, he alleged, a similar request concerning Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy had been pending for years without action. 'Is this justice? Is there one rule for me and another for others?' he said.

Caste and Constitutional Arguments

Nagendra framed the controversy in sharp caste-political terms, alleging that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was deliberately targeting Dalits, Adivasis, women, Shudras, and minorities to prevent them from holding positions of power. He invoked the legacy of B.R. Ambedkar and the Constitution, arguing that discriminatory practices of the past could not be revived.

'This is not the age of the Shastras. This is the age of the Constitution and Babasaheb Ambedkar,' he said. He also cited the Ramayana episode of Shambuka to argue that caste-based discrimination had no place in constitutional India.

Nagendra also questioned why Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman should not resign, noting that Union Bank of India falls under the Union Finance Ministry — a reference that appeared aimed at drawing a parallel with his own situation.

Attack on BJP and Assembly Disruptions

Nagendra alleged that the BJP and other Opposition parties had deliberately disrupted the state Assembly session to prevent substantive debate on critical issues including drought, the Cauvery water dispute, the KPSC recruitment controversy, and the Kasturirangan report. He criticised the BJP's proposed padayatra over the Valmiki Corporation issue, calling it politically motivated.

He also referenced AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge — a senior Congress leader from Karnataka — saying the controversy should not put him in an embarrassing position.

What Comes Next

Nagendra said he would continue to present his case to the people, particularly in the 15 Assembly constituencies where the Scheduled Tribe community has a significant presence. He reiterated that he would appeal to the Congress high command and fight the allegations. The BJP has been intensifying pressure over the alleged irregularities in the Valmiki Corporation and is unlikely to ease its campaign following the resignation. How the Congress leadership responds — and whether further political or legal developments follow — will determine the trajectory of this controversy in the weeks ahead.