Bengaluru, August 28: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced on Friday that he will make a final decision regarding the resignation of Planning and Statistics Minister B. Nagendra after consulting the Congress High Command on August 29.
Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, Shivakumar revealed that Nagendra expressed his desire to resign from the cabinet for the party’s benefit. Nagendra stated that he wanted to avoid putting the Congress government in an uncomfortable position due to ongoing controversies and to prevent disruptions in the assembly proceedings.
The Chief Minister remarked, “He does not wish to embarrass the party. He is a true Dalit leader of Congress.” He noted that Nagendra had submitted his resignation letter to him.
Shivakumar mentioned that he would inform the Congress High Command about Nagendra’s decision and would make a final call on Saturday morning. He expressed personal sadness over Nagendra’s decision, highlighting that Nagendra comes from the Scheduled Caste community and has defeated a senior BJP leader in elections twice. “This is painful for me as well. He has won by defeating a prominent BJP leader twice,” he added.
Defending Nagendra, the Chief Minister stated that he has reviewed the allegations against him, and his legal team has provided comprehensive information. Shivakumar asserted, “Nagendra has no connection with the alleged irregularities.”
However, he acknowledged that the party and government are larger than any individual. He praised Nagendra for prioritizing the party’s interests over his ministerial position. “I have always said that Nagendra is willing to sacrifice anything for the party. He has proven that today,” he stated, expressing confidence that Nagendra will soon overcome the allegations against him.
Regarding the request for prosecution against Nagendra, the Chief Minister confirmed that the government has received a letter from the Governor on this matter. He stated that various legal aspects need to be examined, and he will make decisions within the bounds of the law.
“I cannot show favoritism in legal matters. I will decide on the prosecution request according to the law,” he said.
When asked if Nagendra’s resignation signifies a victory for the BJP and JDS, Shivakumar dismissed the notion. “How is this their victory? Targeting a Dalit leader based on false allegations is not a victory. If they find joy in this, so be it,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister also questioned the opposition’s allegations, asserting that Congress will respond at the appropriate time.
It is noteworthy that the BJP has been consistently demanding Nagendra’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribe Development Corporation. This issue has also disrupted assembly proceedings, leading to intensified protests from the opposition.
Shivakumar mentioned that this is the second time Nagendra has resigned over this matter and that he will consult the Congress High Command before making a final decision.
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