Karnataka Assembly disruptions continue over Minister Nagendra scam allegations

Political tensions in Karnataka have escalated as the BJP and JD(S) continue to disrupt the Legislative Assembly, demanding the resignation of Planning and Statistics Minister B. Nagendra. The opposition alleges that Nagendra is involved in a scam involving the misappropriation of approximately 187 to 189 crore rupees intended for the Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation.

Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka has accused the state government of misleading the House, claiming that while Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara stated there were no cases against Nagendra, there are actually 31 cases, including chargesheets filed by the CBI and investigations by the Enforcement Directorate and Lokayukta. BJP members have staged protests at the Vidhana Soudha, some wearing black T-shirts to signal their dissent.

In response, members of the ruling Congress party have staged counter-protests, accusing the BJP of obstructing legislative business and preventing discussions on critical issues such as drought relief and water shortages. Minister Nagendra has defended his position, stating that the targeting is politically motivated due to his Dalit identity and maintaining that he should not be considered guilty until a court establishes such a fact.