R. Ashoka
| Photo Credit: File Photo
The Opposition BJP, which is staging a protest in the Legislative Assembly demanding the resignation of Minister B. Nagendra, has accused the Congress government of taking advantage of the situation to prevent debate on serious issues haunting the State, like the drought and irregularities related to KPSC.Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok told media persons in Bengaluru on Wednesday, after the government refused to heed the Opposition's demand that legislative debate could take place only after Nagendra steps down, that the government was trying to blame the BJP for the session not taking up debate on issues like the drought.“We need to discuss the drought, the Bidadi Township, the KPSC scam, and the NICE toll collection. Students protesting in Dharwad are being arrested and sent to jail. Workers have already started protests about these issues across the State,” he said. The government was not showing interest in debating these issues by not asking Minister Nagendra to quit, though he was chargesheeted in the case of embezzlement of funds meant for the welfare of ST communities, Mr. Ashok said.He accused the government of sacrificing the interests of the entire legislative session for the sake of one Minister. He declared that the BJP-JD(S) protest would continue until Minister Nagendra resigns.“₹187 crore was looted from the Maharshi Valmiki Development Corporation and transferred to 600 accounts in the names of Minister B. Nagendra’s relatives. This money was used in the Ballari MP elections and other elections. In the ED and CBI chargesheets, he is the main kingpin. ₹1.20 crore has gone directly into Mr. Nagendra’s account,” Mr. Ashok alleged.“We are not fighting against any individual. We are fighting for the return of the looted money of Dalits. Many Dalits are waiting for that money. All Ministers should have resigned if they had any conscience, but it is unfortunate that all of them are defending Mr. Nagendra,” he said. Published - August 20, 2026 07:06 pm IST
