Bengaluru, August 28, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Friday indicated that Planning and Statistics Minister B. Nagendra could be set to resign amid renewed political pressure over the alleged Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation scam, saying the minister would personally clarify his position.
Speaking to reporters at Manekshaw Parade Ground in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said Nagendra had spoken to him earlier in the day and that the matter had been left to the Congress high command.
Asked whether Nagendra had submitted his resignation, Shivakumar said, “He spoke to me in the morning. He will speak to the media directly. He will come and talk to you.”
The Chief Minister said Nagendra had described himself as a “disciplined soldier” of the Congress and expressed his willingness to make any sacrifice for the party.
“He told me that he is a disciplined soldier of the party and that he is ready to do everything for the party. I have left the matter to him. He will speak to you directly,” Shivakumar said.
Nagendra is scheduled to return to Karnataka from Delhi on Friday. His reported resignation comes amid continuing demands from the BJP and JD(S) for his removal and their allegation of his involvement in the tribal welfare fund controversy.
The Opposition parties have also announced a 185-km protest march over the issue and had disrupted the Monsoon Assembly session. The Speaker subsequently adjourned the House sine die following the BJP’s announcement of an overnight protest.
The controversy relates to alleged financial irregularities in the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation Limited (KMVSTDC), where around Rs 89 crore in funds meant for tribal welfare was allegedly diverted.
The issue came to light after corporation employee Chandrasekar P. died by suicide in May 2024 and left behind a note referring to unauthorised transfers of funds. Nagendra, who was then the State Tribal Welfare Minister, resigned from the Cabinet and was subsequently arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
The case is being investigated by multiple agencies, including the ED, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The Karnataka CID, a state investigative agency, has given Nagendra a clean chit.
With Nagendra expected to address the media after returning to Karnataka, his statement is likely to clarify whether he has formally submitted his resignation and what decision has been taken by the Congress leadership.
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