- Nagendra said he had submitted his resignation to Shivakumar and that he was voluntarily tendering it.
- Nagendra compared the BJP’s targeting of him to Lord Rama’s killing of Shambuka in the Ramayana and alleged that the 'manuwadis' never wanted a tribal person to rise.
- Nagendra alleged that his name had been included in the second charge sheet filed by the central agencies 'in a hurry' and denied any role in the scam.
- Nagendra questioned why Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had not resigned when nationalised Union Bank of India was allegedly involved in the transfer of funds.
- The Karnataka BJP has announced a 10-day foot march from Raichur to Ballari from September 1 to 10 to highlight the alleged failures of the Congress government in the state.
- Nagendra said he did not want to embarrass his party or allow the conspiracies of 'manuwadis and vile communal forces' to gain an upper hand in state politics.
- Shivakumar defended him later, saying, 'He is innocent. I have checked all the reports. The BJP is treating him like a criminal.'
- He alleged that the BJP wants to 'impose the Manusmriti' and has an 'anti-tribal mindset'; and said he was being attacked 'because I am Dalit'.
- At the press meet where he announced he's quitting, Nagendra said, 'I believe in the Constitution... We asked the BJP many times to come and discuss the allegations against me in the Assembly, but they didn't... Where is the proof?'
- Asked if the party high command had told him to step down, Nagendra told NDTV, 'No, I take my own decisions.'
- He then stated, 'I am resigning out of my own free will,' and broke down.
B. Nagendra resigned from the Karnataka Cabinet amid allegations of involvement in the Rs 89-crore Valmiki Corporation scam. His resignation comes just 25 days after re-induction, following protests from the BJP and JD(S) over his past resignation due to similar allegations.
In an emotional announcement, Nagendra stated, “Today I am voluntarily tendering my resignation as the minister,” and emphasized his innocence, questioning, “Did I sign anywhere, give any direction or write any note sheet?” He accused the BJP of targeting him due to his tribal background, claiming they have an “anti-tribal mindset” and want to “impose the Manusmriti.”10
Nagendra's resignation follows a tumultuous period marked by protests and allegations of corruption, particularly after the suicide of the corporation's accounts officer, who left a note alleging unauthorized fund transfers. The BJP has been vocal about the alleged irregularities, leading to significant political tension in the state.
Despite the pressure, Nagendra asserted, “I take my own decisions,” and expressed his readiness to face the public, stating, “I am prepared to resign as an MLA and go to the ‘people’s court.’” His party leader, DK Shivakumar, defended him, claiming, “He is innocent. I have checked all the reports.” The BJP plans a foot march to highlight the Congress government's alleged failures, further intensifying the political landscape in Karnataka.12
“Nagendra compared BJP's targeting to Lord Rama's killing of Shambuka, alleging 'manuwadis' never wanted a tribal person to rise. He also questioned why Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman hasn't resigned over Union Bank of India's alleged role in fund transfers.”
