Bengaluru, August 23: Karnataka’s Urban Development Minister, Yatindra Siddaramaiah, has come to the defense of State Planning and Statistics Minister B. Nagendra, who is embroiled in allegations related to a tribal welfare scam. This statement follows reports that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has sought permission from Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot to question Nagendra regarding the alleged scam. Opposition leader R. Ashok has accused the state government of attempting to shield the minister.
Speaking to reporters in Kalaburagi, Siddaramaiah asserted that there is no evidence proving Nagendra’s involvement in the alleged scam and claimed that he is being targeted for political reasons.
He stated, “The ED and CBI operate under the central government. There is no evidence to prove Minister Nagendra’s involvement. He is being targeted for political reasons.”
Questioning the label of ‘tainted minister’ applied to Nagendra, Siddaramaiah asked, “Why is he being called tainted? Where has it been proven? Only the ED and CBI have made allegations.”
He noted that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating alleged irregularities in the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribe Development Corporation found no evidence to implicate Nagendra.
Siddaramaiah remarked, “Just because the BJP is making statements or the ED and CBI are making allegations, we cannot accept that.”
Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had previously stated in the Assembly that funds from the Valmiki Corporation were misused, to which Yatindra admitted that money had indeed left the corporation.
He explained, “Yes, money did go out from the corporation. Some officials or individuals involved transferred funds to various bank accounts.”
Yatindra claimed that approximately ₹89 crore was embezzled, of which about ₹74 crore has been seized in cash and other forms, while the remaining ₹10 crore was recovered through the confiscation of cars and other assets.
He asserted, “All the missing money has been recovered. Despite this, the BJP is falsely claiming that a scam occurred.”
In response to the alleged letter sent by the CBI to the governor, opposition leader R. Ashok accused the D.K. Shivakumar-led government of not granting permission for prosecution against ministers.
BJP leader Ashok stated, “Corruption is escalating in D.K. Shivakumar’s cabinet, which is why the state government is not granting prosecution approval.”
He claimed that the Lokayukta has sought prosecution permission against Minister B. Nagendra, BJP leader Janardhan Reddy, and former BJP minister Renukacharya in various cases.
Ashok argued, “If the BJP were in power, permission for investigation would have been granted.”
He added that the BJP’s movement will continue both inside and outside the Assembly, and if necessary, the party will meet with the governor.
Ashok stated, “As a last resort, we will knock on the doors of the Raj Bhavan. We will also decide on other forms of protest.”
He referred to details allegedly included in the charge sheet, claiming that funds from the corporation were transferred to around 600 bank accounts, which were then used to purchase luxury cars and gold.
Ashok also alleged that the funds reached the accounts of Nagendra’s relatives, associates, farmhouse owners, and some officials.
He asserted, “All documents have been presented in the Assembly.”
Referencing Siddaramaiah’s earlier statement where he mentioned an embezzlement of ₹89 crore instead of ₹187 crore, Ashok questioned how Nagendra could be given a clean chit.
He remarked, “When Siddaramaiah was Chief Minister, Nagendra was called a thief, but how has he become innocent after D.K. Shivakumar took office?”
Ashok further claimed that Nagendra’s properties were seized following his arrest and questioned why such actions were taken if no wrongdoing occurred.
He alleged that conversations between Nagendra and his associate Nekkundi Nagaraj are also part of the investigation records, and Nagendra’s name is included in the SIT report.
The BJP is demanding Nagendra’s resignation over the tribal welfare fund scam, while the ruling Congress party maintains that there is no solid evidence to prove his involvement and insists that the matter should be resolved through legal processes.
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