DK Shivakumar Defends Minister B Nagendra Amid BJP Protests

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar defended the re-induction of Minister B Nagendra into the state cabinet following allegations of involvement in a multi-crore scam involving the Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation. While the BJP alleges Nagendra looted between 90 crore and 180 crore rupees intended for the Dalit community, Shivakumar stated that a departmental report cleared the minister of involvement, leading to his reinstatement in 2026 after a previous resignation in 2024.

The political standoff escalated as the Bharatiya Janata Party launched an indefinite day-and-night dharna inside the Karnataka Assembly. BJP State President BY Vijayendra and opposition leader R Ashoka demanded Nagendra's immediate resignation, accusing the government of using police to suppress dissent. In response, Home Minister Priyank Kharge challenged the opposition to debate the matter on the Assembly floor, noting that Nagendra has not been convicted of any crime.

Beyond the corruption row, Shivakumar announced the government will induct a woman minister within the next few days to fill the final vacancy in the 34-member cabinet. He also committed to honoring Supreme Court directions regarding the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu and criticized the central government for withholding 5,400 crore rupees for the Upper Bhadra lift irrigation project.