BJP leaders detained during protest demanding Nagendra’s removal in Karnataka
BJP leaders, including B Y Vijayendra and R Ashoka, were detained while marching to Vidhana Soudha to demand minister B Nagendra's resignation over the Valmiki Corporation scam. Police barricades blocked access and protests continued at Freedom Park.
Key takeaways
- B Y Vijayendra and R Ashoka were detained during a march toward Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru.
- The protest demanded the resignation of minister B Nagendra over alleged ties to the Valmiki Corporation scam.
- Police barricades blocked access to Vidhana Soudha; a BMTC bus was prepared to transport those detained.
- The BJP organized a separate protest at Freedom Park, led by Chalavadi Narayanaswamy.
- The case involves a CBI charge sheet naming Nagendra and prior questions about his cabinet tenure.
What Happened
In Bengaluru, BJP state president B Y Vijayendra, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R Ashoka, and several other party leaders were taken into preventive custody during a march toward Vidhana Soudha. The protest was to press for the resignation of minister B Nagendra amid allegations connected to the Valmiki Corporation scam.
Police had blocked the route to Vidhana Soudha with barricades at the entrances, and protesters attempted to approach the complex via the Vikas Soudha gate, resulting in pushing and jostling with security personnel. A BMTC bus was kept ready to transport those detained. Separately, the BJP organized a protest at Freedom Park led by Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, the Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council.
The BJP and its ally JD(S) had mobilised a large turnout from Bengaluru and nearby areas, with supporters arriving from across the region. The protest was framed by the BJP as a stand against what they described as suppression of their agitation by the Congress government.
Why It Matters
The BJP cited a charge sheet filed in connection with the Valmiki Corporation scam, which mentions minister B Nagendra, as justification for demanding his removal. They highlighted Nagendra’s past resignation in 2024 over irregularities linked to the corporation and noted his subsequent re-induction into the cabinet after D K Shivakumar became chief minister. The dispute centers on perceptions of accountability within the state government and the handling of alleged corruption related to the Valmiki entity.
Background
The Valmiki Corporation case involves funds reportedly moved from the corporation to multiple bank accounts. The matter gained further attention after the accounts superintendent associated with the corporation died by suicide, with a note reportedly recovered. A CBI charge sheet subsequently mentioned Nagendra, a point cited by the BJP to argue for his removal from the cabinet. Nagendra had previously resigned amid the controversy but was re-inducted into the cabinet later.
Key Facts
- B Y Vijayendra, R Ashoka, and several BJP leaders were detained during a march toward Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru.
- The march was aimed at demanding the resignation of minister B Nagendra over alleged connections to the Valmiki Corporation scam.
- Police barricaded Vidhana Soudha; protesters attempted to reach the complex via the Vikas Soudha gate, leading to clashes.
- A BMTC bus was kept ready to transport those taken into custody.
- BJP also held a separate protest at Freedom Park led by Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, the Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council.
- The Valmiki Corporation case involved funds reportedly transferred to multiple bank accounts; the accounts superintendent associated with the corporation died by suicide and a note was recovered.
- A CBI charge sheet mentioned Nagendra in connection with the case; Nagendra had resigned as minister in 2024 and was later re-inducted into the cabinet under the current government.
What Happens Next
Protests and political agitation linked to Nagendra’s alleged involvement are described as ongoing by the BJP, who say they will continue to pursue Nagendra’s removal from the cabinet until their demand is met. No new official dates or next steps beyond ongoing demonstrations are cited in the material provided.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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