Karnataka Planning and Statistics Minister B. Nagendra resigned from Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s cabinet amid intense opposition pressure regarding alleged financial irregularities totaling around Rs 89 crore in the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation, according to regional reports. The resignation, announced on August 28, 2026, marks the second time Nagendra has stepped down over the exact same controversy following his initial departure in June 2024 from the Siddaramaiah cabinet.
Valmiki Corporation Scam and Political Fallout
The political crisis centers around alleged irregularities amounting to roughly Rs 89 crore in the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation. According to News18, the controversy first erupted after the corporation’s accounts officer, Chandrasekharan P., died by suicide in May 2024, leaving behind a note that alleged unauthorized movement of funds from the corporation. Subsequent investigations indicated that substantial amounts were transferred from the corporation’s accounts into other accounts, triggering a severe political storm.
Opposition parties, specifically the BJP and JDS, mounted fierce protests against Nagendra’s return to the state cabinet on August 3, 2026, just 25 days before his latest exit. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar confirmed that he would consult the high command before responding to the resignation offer, offering a cryptic remark that everyone in the party is a disciplined soldier. Meanwhile, the BJP has announced a 10-day padayatra starting September 1 from Raichur to Ballari to campaign against the government over corruption and other issues.
Did You Know? This development marks Minister B. Nagendra’s second resignation over the Rs 89 crore Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation controversy, following an earlier exit from the cabinet in June 2024.
Nagendra’s Defense and Cabinet Future
During his resignation announcement, a visibly emotional Nagendra broke down in front of journalists and claimed he was being targeted specifically because he belongs to the Dalit community. According to News18, Nagendra told the leadership that an Special Investigation Team (SIT) had absolved him and that he was fully prepared to go through the legal grind, clear his name, and return to the cabinet. He further alleged that the BJP targeted him because of strong Scheduled Tribes community support for the Congress and the significant representation of SC/ST ministers in the state cabinet.
As the political fallout widens, analysts expect the opposition to leverage the resignation heavily during the upcoming 200-kilometer march inaugurated by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi. A possible next step involves the Congress high command reviewing Nagendra’s offer in consultation with Chief Minister Shivakumar, which may dictate whether the minister can successfully clear his name and rejoin the government at a later date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Minister B. Nagendra resign?
Nagendra resigned from the Karnataka cabinet following intense opposition pressure and allegations linking him to the Rs 89 crore Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation financial irregularities.
Is this Nagendra’s first time resigning over the Valmiki Corporation case?
No. This marks his second resignation over the exact same controversy, following an earlier departure from the cabinet in June 2024 before he was reinstated on August 3.
What has Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said about the resignation?
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated that he will consult the Congress high command before responding to Nagendra’s resignation offer, noting that everyone in the party is a disciplined soldier.
What impact might this high-profile cabinet resignation have on the political stability of the ruling administration in Karnataka? JDS/BJP padayatra