Karnataka BJP MLAs protest at Vidhana Soudha demanding Minister Nagendra’s sacking

Bengaluru, Aug 19 (AHN) Karnataka BJP MLAs staged a protest on Wednesday at Vidhana Soudha demanding the sacking of Minister for Planning and Statistics B. Nagendra over the alleged Valmiki Corporation scam.

The protest was held under the leadership of BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra and Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashoka, near the Kengal Hanumanthaiah statue at Vidhana Soudha. The BJP MLAs held posters and placards criticising the state government and demanding Nagendra’s resignation.

Addressing the protesters, Vijayendra said the state government should immediately seek Nagendra’s resignation if it had any “honour and dignity” and allow the Assembly to function and discuss pressing issues, including drought, the alleged KPSC scam and other problems facing the state.

“Do not hatch a conspiracy to give a caste colour to corruption,” Vijayendra said, alleging that the government was attempting to portray the demand for Nagendra’s resignation as an attack on Dalit and tribal communities.

He said BJP workers had been staging protests for the past two days in front of Deputy Commissioners’ offices in all district headquarters and that the BJP and JD(S) were jointly protesting inside the legislature demanding action against Nagendra.

Vijayendra questioned why Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar was allegedly afraid to act against Nagendra despite the corruption allegations.

“Let Nagendra resign so that the Assembly can function and discuss the burning issues facing the state,” he said.

Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashoka said the funds meant for the Scheduled Tribes community should reach the government treasury and be utilised for their welfare.

“We are fighting for the money meant for Dalits to be spent on Dalits,” Ashoka claimed.

Questioning the government, Ashoka asked why the Assembly was being disrupted for the sake of one individual.

“Why are you disrupting the House for one person? Are there no other Dalits? There are another 10 to 12 ST MLAs in your party. Take Nagendra’s resignation and make one of them a minister,” Ashoka demanded.

BJP MLAs participated in the protest and reiterated their demand that Nagendra step down over the alleged irregularities in the Valmiki Corporation.

Amid protests by the Opposition that is seeking the resignation of Planning and Statistics Minister B. Nagendra over his alleged role in the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation irregularities, the Karnataka government on Wednesday made a statement on the floor of both Houses of state legislature, urging the Opposition to end its protest and participate in a discussion on the issue.

Responding to BJP and JD(S) disrupting the Assembly proceedings and demanding his resignation in connection with the tribal welfare case, Minister for Planning and Statistics, B. Nagendra, on Wednesday accused the Opposition of targeting him, alleging that “Manuvadis” were conspiring to remove a Dalit and tribal leader from the Cabinet. The minister questioned the Opposition’s continued demand for his resignation despite the government’s willingness to discuss the issue in the Assembly.