The Valmiki Corporation scam has triggered a major political controversy in Karnataka. Amid mounting pressure, Minister Nagendra announced his resignation, saying he was stepping down voluntarily to prevent the issue from causing further embarrassment to the Congress government.
Speaking at a press conference, Nagendra became emotional while explaining his decision.
“I am resigning of my own will to avoid the embarrassment that may cost my party because of unnecessary allegations made by the opposition,” he said.
Nagendra also accused the BJP of pursuing “Manuvadi” politics, claiming that he himself had become a victim of such politics.
The controversy also dominated the recent Karnataka Assembly Monsoon Session. BJP and JD(S) members staged protests both inside and outside the legislature. Due to the continued disruptions, the session ended three days ahead of schedule on August 24.
The opposition has also announced a foot march from Raichur to Ballari from September 1 to 10, with Nagendra’s resignation among its key demands.
What Is the Valmiki Corporation Scam?
The controversy erupted in May 2024 following the death by suicide of P. Chandrasekharan, then an accounts superintendent with the Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation.
In a six-page note, Chandrasekharan alleged financial irregularities and unauthorized movement of funds within the corporation.
Subsequent investigations found that ₹89.63 crore was transferred from a corporation-linked account to a Union Bank of India account. The money was then moved through several other accounts, bringing the alleged financial irregularities under intense political scrutiny.
