B Nagendra Resigns As Karnataka Minister, Denies Role In Alleged Valmiki Scam

B Nagendra Resigns As Karnataka Minister Amid Valmiki Scam Allegations, Denies Any Role In Financial Irregularities

Karnataka witnessed a major political development on August 28, 2026, as minister B Nagendra resigned from the state Cabinet amid renewed controversy surrounding the alleged Valmiki Scam. Nagendra, who had been facing sustained pressure from opposition parties over alleged financial irregularities involving the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation, announced his decision at a press conference in Bengaluru.

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The resignation came after days of political confrontation in Karnataka, with the BJP and JD(S) repeatedly demanding that Nagendra step down. The controversy had also disrupted legislative proceedings, with opposition legislators protesting over the issue and seeking accountability from the government.

Nagendra Denies Role In Alleged Valmiki Scam

Despite resigning, B Nagendra has continued to deny wrongdoing in connection with the alleged Valmiki Scam. He maintained that the allegations against him were politically motivated and argued that he was being targeted by the Opposition.

Nagendra said his decision to resign was voluntary and was intended to prevent the controversy from causing embarrassment to the Congress leadership and affecting the functioning of the government. Reports said he became emotional while announcing his resignation.

His latest resignation marks a significant turn in a controversy that has followed him since 2024. The Enforcement Directorate has previously investigated alleged diversion of funds from the Valmiki Corporation, while Nagendra has disputed allegations concerning his direct involvement.

What Is The Valmiki Scam Case?

The controversy relates to alleged financial irregularities involving the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation, an organisation intended to support the economic development and welfare of Scheduled Tribe communities.

Investigating agencies have alleged that substantial funds were diverted through unauthorised transactions and subsequently moved through multiple accounts. The Enforcement Directorate’s investigation previously alleged that large sums connected with the corporation were diverted and used for purposes unrelated to the intended welfare schemes.

The case became a major political issue in Karnataka, particularly after allegations surfaced regarding the handling and movement of corporation funds. The Opposition subsequently intensified demands for accountability and questioned the continuation of Nagendra in the Cabinet.

Opposition Pressure Mounts On Karnataka Government

The resignation followed a sustained campaign by the BJP and JD(S). Opposition leaders had repeatedly accused the Congress government of protecting Nagendra and demanded his removal from the Cabinet.

The issue became particularly prominent during the Karnataka Assembly’s monsoon session. BJP and JD(S) legislators protested over the alleged scam and demanded action against those they believed were responsible. The protests contributed to repeated disruptions in legislative proceedings.

On August 24, BJP leaders, including state president B Y Vijayendra and Leader of Opposition R Ashoka, were detained during a march towards Vidhana Soudha while demanding Nagendra’s resignation.

Nagendra Had Earlier Denied Resignation Reports

Interestingly, Nagendra had denied reports of his resignation only days before formally stepping down. On August 26, he described reports that he had offered to quit as “completely untrue” and said there had been no discussion regarding his resignation at that point.

However, reports later emerged that Nagendra had offered to resign from the Cabinet amid growing political pressure. By August 28, he formally announced his departure, bringing a dramatic change to the situation.

Second Ministerial Exit Linked To The Controversy

Nagendra’s latest resignation is notable because it is his second ministerial exit associated with the same controversy. He had previously resigned from the Siddaramaiah-led government in June 2024 after allegations emerged concerning unauthorised diversion of funds linked to the Valmiki Corporation.

His return to the Cabinet in August 2026 had already attracted criticism from the BJP, which argued that the unresolved allegations made his continuation as a minister inappropriate. The latest resignation is therefore likely to keep the Valmiki Corporation case at the centre of Karnataka’s political debate.

What Happens Next In The Valmiki Scam Case?

B Nagendra’s resignation does not bring the underlying investigation to an end. Investigating agencies are continuing to examine the alleged financial irregularities, the movement of funds and the individuals who may have been involved.

Nagendra’s position remains that he has been wrongly targeted and that the allegations against him are politically motivated. Meanwhile, opposition leaders are demanding a wider investigation and accountability for everyone connected with the alleged irregularities.

The Valmiki Scam is therefore expected to remain a major political and legal issue in Karnataka. The focus will now shift toward the progress of the investigations, the government’s response and whether further individuals are questioned or face action in the case.

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Conclusion

B Nagendra’s resignation has become one of the most significant political developments in Karnataka amid the ongoing Valmiki Scam controversy. While he has denied any wrongdoing and described the allegations as politically motivated, pressure from the Opposition ultimately intensified around his position in the Cabinet. With investigations continuing, the case is likely to remain under close political and public scrutiny in the days ahead.