D.K. Shivakumar Defends Minister Nagendra Amid Cabinet Reshuffle Talks

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar defended Minister for Planning and Statistics B. Nagendra against allegations of money laundering in the Valmiki Development Corporation case. Despite reports that Nagendra offered his resignation during a meeting in Bengaluru on August 26 to thwart BJP-JD(S) protests, Shivakumar later rejected the claims, stating there is no evidence linking the minister to seized funds and describing him as a loyal party asset.

During a visit to New Delhi on August 27 to discuss a potential cabinet reshuffle with party leadership, Shivakumar met with Rahul Gandhi. The leaders discussed state and national issues, including the formation of a Cabinet sub-committee chaired by Minister U.T. Khader to ensure affordable and transparent school education. This initiative follows directions from Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.

Shivakumar also announced that Rahul Gandhi will soon visit Karnataka to participate in a gig workers' conference organized with the Labour Department. Gandhi provided suggestions on legislation to benefit gig workers, which he intends to address at the national level. While the Congress High Command initially considered dropping Nagendra to prevent political advantage for the opposition, Shivakumar maintained that the party will decide on the minister's status after further discussions.