Bengaluru, August 29: Karnataka’s opposition leader R. Ashok stated that the resignation of Minister B. Nagendra is a direct result of escalating public pressure and the ongoing protests led by the BJP and Janata Dal (Secular) against the alleged Valmiki Development Corporation scam.
Notably, B. Nagendra, the state’s Minister for Planning and Statistics, announced his resignation from the cabinet on Friday. He explained that he chose to step down to prevent the Congress party and its leadership from facing discomfort regarding the alleged Valmiki Tribal Welfare Corporation scam.
In response to Nagendra’s resignation, Ashok accused the Congress government of attempting to shield the minister from accountability. Ultimately, he claimed, the government had to yield to public anger.
Ashok alleged that ₹187 crore, allocated for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes, was misused and raised questions about the government’s role in the matter. He stated, “When the BJP and JD(S) demanded answers, what did the Congress government do? We raised questions, but the government fled the assembly. We sought answers, yet the assembly session was curtailed. We presented the truth, but the government used the entire administrative machinery to protect the accused.”
He emphasized that while the government might suspend assembly proceedings and evade debate, it cannot suppress the truth. The BJP leader asserted that the Congress government panicked after the BJP announced a statewide march demanding accountability for the alleged scam. He remarked, “B. Nagendra’s resignation is a result of relentless public pressure and the tireless fight waged by the BJP and JD(S) both inside and outside the assembly.”
Ashok also accused Congress of politically exploiting the name of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and social justice. He stated, “For a party that never misses an opportunity to invoke Baba Saheb Ambedkar’s name, this raises a significant question. You claim to stand with the marginalized while ignoring the alleged misuse of funds allocated for their welfare; this is unacceptable.”
He clarified that Nagendra’s resignation is not merely the departure of a minister but a significant political blow to the Congress government. However, he made it clear that the resignation does not conclude the matter. “Nagendra’s resignation is not the end of this issue; it marks the beginning of an investigation,” he asserted.
The opposition leader raised numerous questions regarding the alleged misuse of the tribal welfare fund. He inquired about the mastermind behind the alleged scam, who authorized the transfer of funds, which office issued the orders, and who ultimately benefited from the funds in question.
Ashok also questioned if anyone attempted to shield the responsible parties in this case. He insisted, “Every question must be answered. Everyone involved in the alleged misuse of public funds must face the law. Those who aided and attempted to protect the accused cannot evade accountability.”
He demanded that the full details of the financial transactions be made public and that all responsible parties be held accountable. “The resignation of just one minister cannot absolve the Congress government of its responsibilities,” he stated.
The BJP leader affirmed that their party will continue to fight until the public receives answers to all questions and the complete truth regarding the alleged scam is revealed. “This is not the end of the battle. It is the beginning of the fight for truth,” he concluded.
Leave a Comment