Bengaluru, August 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Karnataka BJP leaders and workers were detained on Monday while attempting to lay siege to Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, demanding the resignation of Planning and Statistics Minister B. Nagendra over alleged irregularities in the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation.
The protesters gathered at all four entrances of Vidhana Soudha, while a parallel demonstration was held at Freedom Park under the leadership of Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy and other senior BJP leaders. Police deployed elaborate security arrangements and prevented the protesters from entering the Vidhana Soudha premises.
A group led by BJP MLC N. Ravikumar, joined by MLC C.T. Ravi and other leaders, attempted to enter from the Vikasa Soudha side. Police stopped them, leading to a confrontation as protesters tried to push through while raising slogans demanding Nagendra’s resignation. Several workers, including women, were detained and taken away in BMTC buses and other vehicles.
BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra and Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka also attempted to enter the premises and were detained by police. Speaking from a police vehicle, Ashoka alleged that funds meant for Dalit welfare had been diverted and accused the Congress government of protecting those responsible.
Ashoka alleged that around Rs 180 crore had been looted from the Valmiki Corporation and demanded that the money be returned to the people. He also criticised the police action, saying the BJP’s agitation would continue until Nagendra resigns.
Vijayendra accused the Congress government of refusing to remove Nagendra from the Cabinet and alleged that it was supporting corruption. Responding to the Congress’ accusation that the BJP was engaging in “goondaism”, he strongly criticised Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and said the BJP and JD(S) were fighting for the interests of Dalits.
BJP MLC N. Ravikumar alleged that investigations had revealed that more than Rs 100 crore was spent on elections in other states, including Rs 20 crore in the Ballari election, and said the alleged scam could not be ignored.
The BJP has intensified its campaign over the alleged diversion of funds from the Valmiki Corporation, demanding accountability and recovery of money allegedly diverted from welfare schemes for Scheduled Tribe communities.
FOLLOW NOW
