Bengaluru, August 11: In Karnataka, BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra has sharply criticized the government for reappointing former minister B. Nagendra to the state cabinet. He deemed the decision unforgivable and warned that if Nagendra is not removed before the assembly session, both the BJP and JD(S) will escalate their protests.
Vijayendra accused Nagendra of admitting to irregularities within the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribe Development Corporation. He pointed out that the former minister has not received a complete clean chit in this matter, raising questions about the government’s decision to reinstate him.
He asked, “What was the necessity of including Nagendra in the cabinet? What is the government afraid of?” Vijayendra demanded that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar remove Nagendra from the cabinet before the assembly session begins. He stated that if Nagendra is not asked to resign, the BJP and JD(S) will fight on this issue both inside and outside the assembly. The struggle will continue until Nagendra resigns.
The controversy involves allegations of illegal fund withdrawals from the state-run Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribe Development Corporation Limited, which has led to significant political turmoil. This scandal forced the then Minister for Scheduled Tribe Welfare, B. Nagendra, to resign and face arrest. Central investigative agencies, including the CBI and ED, have also conducted inquiries, although the state’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has cleared him in this case.
Meanwhile, the BJP leader accused the Karnataka government of failing to address the issues faced by the people since taking office. He claimed that development projects have stalled, causing significant hardships for the public.
Vijayendra asserted that social security pensions, including those for the elderly, widows, and the disabled, are not being distributed properly. He also accused the government of failing to release incentives to dairy farmers.
He noted that farmers are facing additional challenges due to poor rainfall and crop losses. The BJP intends to effectively raise these critical issues during the assembly session. A smooth and effective session is essential for serious discussions on these matters, and the government must respond to the opposition’s questions.
Vijayendra further alleged that the state government prioritizes the interests of the party leadership over the problems of the people of Karnataka.
He stated, “The drought situation in the state is severe, and farmers are distressed. However, the government seems more concerned about the political interests of the Congress leadership than the issues faced by the people.”
Vijayendra concluded that the opposition will use the assembly session to highlight issues related to farmers, beneficiaries of social security schemes, dairy producers, and other societal concerns. They will also press the government regarding the decision to reinstate Nagendra in the cabinet.
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