Karnataka minister B Nagendra resigned from the state Cabinet on Friday amid renewed political pressure over the Valmiki Corporation scam controversy. The emotional resignation marks the second time he has stepped down from the Cabinet over the issue.
Bengaluru, Karnataka — Karnataka minister B Nagendra broke down in tears on Friday evening while announcing his resignation from Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s Cabinet, just 25 days after returning to the state government. His resignation came amid renewed demands from the BJP and JD(S) over allegations linked to the Valmiki Corporation funds controversy.
Key Highlights
- B Nagendra resigned from the Karnataka Cabinet on August 28, 2026, for the second time over the Valmiki Corporation controversy.
- He had returned to the Cabinet on August 3 with the Planning and Statistics portfolio.
- Nagendra denied responsibility for the alleged transactions and said he was being targeted because he is a Dalit.
- The controversy began in May 2024 following the death of P Chandrasekharan and allegations of unauthorised transfers from the Valmiki Corporation.
- The BJP and JD(S) have announced a foot march from Raichur to Ballari from September 1 to 10, demanding Nagendra’s removal.
B Nagendra Resigns From Karnataka Cabinet Again
Announcing his decision, Nagendra said he was voluntarily submitting his resignation to Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to ensure that the controversy did not cause embarrassment to the Congress party.
The minister became emotional while speaking to reporters and alleged that he was being singled out because of his Dalit identity. He also questioned the basis for holding him responsible for transactions associated with the Valmiki Corporation case.
“Is my signature anywhere in the Valmiki transaction? I am being targeted as a Dalit.”
Nagendra also alleged that his political opponents did not want a tribal person to progress and referred to them as “Manuwadis”, apparently referring to the BJP.
Why Did Nagendra Resign From the Karnataka Cabinet?
The resignation follows renewed political pressure over alleged irregularities involving the Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation. The BJP and JD(S) have repeatedly demanded Nagendra’s removal and have held protests inside and outside the Karnataka legislature.
The Opposition has accused the Congress leader of being linked to the alleged diversion of corporation funds. The BJP and JD(S) have now announced a foot march from Raichur to Ballari between September 1 and 10 as part of their campaign against Nagendra.
Valmiki Corporation Scam Case Explained
The controversy emerged in May 2024 after P Chandrasekharan, who was serving as an accounts superintendent with the Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation, died by suicide. A six-page note left behind by Chandrasekharan alleged irregularities and unauthorised transfers of corporation funds.
Subsequent investigations found that ₹89.63 crore was transferred from a corporation account to a Union Bank of India account and was later moved to several other accounts. The transactions triggered a major political controversy in Karnataka.
Nagendra was serving as the Tribal Welfare Minister when the controversy surfaced. He resigned from the Cabinet in June 2024 following the allegations.
Nagendra Returned to Cabinet in August 2026
After DK Shivakumar replaced Siddaramaiah as Karnataka Chief Minister, Nagendra was re-inducted into the Cabinet on August 3, 2026. He was assigned the Planning and Statistics portfolio.
His return immediately revived Opposition demands for his removal. Nagendra had previously rejected reports that he would resign and maintained that the allegations against him were politically motivated.
He had also said that he needed to prepare to take on the “Manuvadis”, an apparent reference to the BJP.
Priyank Kharge Questions Opposition’s Allegations
Earlier on August 24, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge questioned the basis of the BJP’s demand for Nagendra’s resignation during a response to an Opposition protest.
“Has he been convicted? Is his name in a CID or SIT case?”
Kharge also questioned how Nagendra’s name had appeared in the CBI’s second charge sheet, according to the supplied report.
What Nagendra Said While Resigning
Nagendra said people in Karnataka were watching the developments and expressed frustration over what he described as repeated allegations against him.
“People of Karnataka are watching. A thousand lies have been told against me every day.”
His resignation means he has now stepped down from the Karnataka Cabinet twice in connection with the same controversy, first in June 2024 and again in August 2026.
The latest resignation comes as the BJP and JD(S) continue their campaign over the alleged Valmiki Corporation fund transactions, with the Opposition’s announced Raichur-to-Ballari foot march scheduled to begin on September 1.
Praveen Yadav is the Founder and Editor at The Nation Bulletin. With over 3 years of experience in digital journalism and news reporting, he covers national affairs, governance, and breaking current events with a commitment to factual accuracy and verified reporting.
