BREAKING: Cabinet Minister Resigns, Read the Full Story
Major Political Shake-Up in Karnataka: Minister B. Nagendra Resigns Amid Valmiki Corporation Scam Controversy
Bengaluru, August 29, 2026: Karnataka politics has witnessed another major upheaval, with state Planning and Statistics Minister B. Nagendra resigning from his ministerial post amid allegations of a multi-crore financial scam and irregularities in the Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribe Development Corporation.
This is reportedly the second time in the past two years that B. Nagendra has had to step down from a ministerial position, adding to the political turmoil within the state.
Nagendra’s resignation is being viewed against the backdrop of increasing action by central investigative agencies and mounting political pressure from the opposition. According to reports, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had sought formal sanction from the Karnataka Governor to prosecute Nagendra in connection with the alleged illegal diversion and misuse of funds and financial irregularities involving the Maharshi Valmiki ST Development Corporation.
With the investigation agencies tightening their grip and the possibility of legal proceedings looming, pressure on the minister to resign had reportedly been increasing within the government and his party.
However, after submitting his resignation, B. Nagendra categorically denied all allegations against him. He maintained that he had not committed any wrongdoing and claimed that he was being unnecessarily dragged into the controversy. Nagendra alleged that the entire episode was part of a political conspiracy by the opposition aimed at damaging his political image.
He said he would fully cooperate with the investigating agencies and would establish his innocence through the legal process.
The controversy has also triggered sustained protests by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) against the Karnataka government. The BJP has accused the government of serious corruption and had been demanding Nagendra’s immediate resignation.
To intensify its campaign, the BJP had also announced a 10-day mass padayatra from Raichur to Ballari beginning September 1. The resignation, coming ahead of the proposed march, is being seen as an attempt by the government to blunt the impact of the opposition’s planned agitation.
Political analysts believe Nagendra’s resignation could be a strategic move by the government to ease mounting political pressure and avoid further embarrassment in the state legislature.
Meanwhile, the BJP has described the resignation as a major victory for its campaign. BJP leaders have alleged that several other prominent figures may also be involved in the alleged scam and have vowed to continue their fight until the investigation is completed.