Why should I resign, asks Nagendra

BENGALURU: Karnataka Minister for Planning and Statistics B Nagendra questioned the Opposition's demand for his resignation, asking why he should step down from his post.

Key points

• The Opposition has been protesting and demanding Nagendra's resignation who has been accused in the Valmiki ST Corporation scam.
• He maintained that the SIT had worked effectively and recovered Rs 79 crore, that amount which was transferred to almost 800 accounts.
• Speaking to reporters, Minister Nagendra remarked he was given the portfolio after consideration and on the basis of the trust placed in him.
• BJP has alleged that the funds diverted from the ST Corporation has been paid to the Congress high command.
• He even pointed out how a purification ritual was conducted where AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge had visited lately.

Alleging that he was being targeted since he belonged to the Dalit and Adivasi communities, Nagendra stated that the Manuvadis do not want him to continue as a minister. The minister remarked he has faith in the judicial system and was confident that the truth would eventually come out.

Nagendra accused the Opposition members of making baseless allegations against him. He remarked that a number of BJP leaders were facing serious allegations and questioned why he alone was being asked to resign. Serious cases are pending against leaders such as Himanta Biswa Sarma and Suvendu Adhikari. When there are serious allegations against them, why should I resign? I have been granted bail.

I am not a criminal, he remarked. Nagendra additionally alleged that he was harassed by the Central investigating agencies. Is my alleged offence bigger than stealing from Lord Rama's donation box? I, too, have contributed funds to Lord Rama's donation box. Notably, the BJP is trying to bring back the caste system and is depriving Dalits of their rights, he remarked.

In practice, the Minister remarked he has not blackmailed anyone to become a minister. "I was given ministership based on my capability and performance. I am not guilty " he remarked, adding that he has been targeted as he is a Dalit. BJP leaders had alleged that Nagendra had blackmailed Central Congress leaders to become a minister.

Notably, the Opposition has been protesting and demanding Nagendra's resignation who has been accused in the Valmiki ST Corporation scam. Nagendra, who had resigned from Siddaramaiah's cabinet earlier was re-inducted in the DK Shivakumar cabinet, in the recent extension.

Speaking to reporters, Minister Nagendra remarked he was given the portfolio after consideration and on the basis of the trust placed in him. "I am innocent, but attempts are being made to portray an innocent person as a criminal, " Nagendra remarked, urging the Opposition not to play politics against Dalits and tribals.

As the minister in charge of the department, he did not want to influence the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigation, on the Valmiki Corporation scam allegations, Nagendra remarked he had resigned voluntarily as. He maintained that the SIT had worked effectively and recovered Rs 79 crore, that amount which was transferred to almost 800 accounts. I am ready to discuss the matter in the Assembly.

In practice, the case is before the court. Are they (Opposition members) bigger than the court?

He asked. According to Nagendra further, no capital had ever been transferred to his personal account.

Taken together, the developments around why should I resign, asks Nagendra point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.