Bengaluru: Karnataka minister B Nagendra is reportedly considering resigning from the state cabinet amid allegations linked to the Valmiki Development Corporation scam.
Sources said Nagendra spoke to Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar over the phone and expressed concern that he was being unnecessarily targeted in the controversy. He is also learnt to have said that he does not want the issue to cause embarrassment to the Congress party.
According to sources, Shivakumar told Nagendra that the matter would be discussed with the Congress high command before any decision is taken.
BJP, JD(S) step up pressure
The BJP and JD(S) have been demanding Nagendra’s resignation over the allegations. The BJP has also criticised the government for ending the monsoon session of the legislature ahead of schedule, alleging that the move was aimed at shielding the minister.
Opposition leaders have argued that during the previous BJP government, ministers facing serious allegations resigned while the Assembly continued its proceedings.
Meanwhile, the BJP has announced a padayatra from Guragunta in Raichur to Bellary from September 1, demanding Nagendra’s resignation.
The development has added to the political pressure on the Congress government, with the opposition intensifying its campaign over the alleged irregularities in the Valmiki Development Corporation.