Karnataka Minister B. Nagendra Resigns Over Valmiki Corporation Scam

Karnataka Minister for Planning and Statistics B. Nagendra resigned from the state cabinet and his seat as a Member of the Legislative Assembly on August 28, 2026. The resignation follows allegations that approximately ₹89 crore to ₹187 crore was diverted from the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation to private accounts for the purchase of gold and liquor. The scandal gained prominence after the 2024 suicide of a corporation accounts superintendent who left a note detailing the unauthorized transfers.

This marks Nagendra's second resignation tied to the same scandal. He had previously stepped down in June 2024 but was re-inducted into the cabinet on August 3, 2026. His return sparked renewed protests from the Bharatiya Janata Party and Janata Dal (Secular), including a planned padayatra from Raichur to Ballari. Nagendra stated he resigned voluntarily to avoid causing embarrassment to the Congress party, while claiming he was a victim of the BJP's "manuvadi" politics.

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar initially defended Nagendra, asserting he was a loyal party asset and that investigation reports showed no truth to the allegations. However, Shivakumar announced on August 29 that he would forward the resignation to Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot. BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra characterized Nagendra as a "small fish" and demanded the recovery of the misused funds, alleging that the Congress party high command was also involved in the scam.