Karnataka Minister B Nagendra Resigns, Says He Wants to Avoid Embarrassing Congress
Karnataka Minister B Nagendra has resigned from the state Cabinet, saying he did not want the controversy surrounding him to cause embarrassment to his party.
B Nagendra announced his resignation on Friday, August 28, 2026, during a press conference at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru.
“I am submitting my resignation to CM today to ensure party does not face any embarrassment,” Nagendra said.
The resignation comes amid renewed political pressure over alleged financial irregularities linked to the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation.
Nagendra was serving as the Planning and Statistics Minister in the Karnataka Cabinet. He had returned to the government earlier this month after Chief Minister D K Shivakumar expanded his ministry.
Nagendra Resigns Amid Valmiki Corporation Controversy
The controversy dates back to 2024. Nagendra had then resigned from the Cabinet after allegations surfaced over the alleged diversion of funds from the Valmiki corporation.
The BJP has repeatedly targeted the Congress government over the issue. The Opposition had demanded Nagendra’s removal from the Cabinet.
The controversy intensified after the Central Bureau of Investigation sought sanction to prosecute Nagendra, according to reports.
Nagendra has denied wrongdoing in the case. He has also accused political opponents of targeting him because he is a Dalit leader.
Nagendra Says Party Interest Comes First
While announcing his resignation, Nagendra said his decision was driven by the interest of the Congress party.
He said he did not want the ongoing controversy to create further political difficulties for the government.
The minister became emotional during the press conference. He also strongly criticised the BJP and rejected allegations against him.
According to The Week, Nagendra said Chief Minister D K Shivakumar had asked him not to resign. He nevertheless chose to step down, saying he was acting according to his conscience.
BJP Had Intensified Pressure on Karnataka Government
Nagendra’s resignation follows sustained pressure from the BJP and JD(S).
The Opposition had raised the issue repeatedly during the Karnataka Assembly session. BJP leaders also staged protests demanding Nagendra’s removal.
The BJP had announced plans for a 10-day padayatra from Raichur to Ballari beginning September 1. The march was aimed at increasing pressure on the Congress government over the issue.
Nagendra’s continuation in the Cabinet had therefore become a major political flashpoint in Karnataka.
Nagendra Had Resigned From Cabinet in 2024 Too
This is not Nagendra’s first resignation linked to the Valmiki Corporation controversy.
He stepped down from the Siddaramaiah Cabinet in June 2024 after allegations emerged. He was later re-inducted into the Cabinet under D K Shivakumar.
Nagendra took charge of the Planning and Statistics portfolio following his return to the government.
His latest resignation now puts fresh focus on the political and legal developments surrounding the case.
What Happens Next?
Nagendra’s resignation is likely to become another major issue for the Karnataka Congress government.
The Opposition is expected to continue raising questions over the Valmiki Corporation case. The legal proceedings could also add to the political pressure.
For now, Nagendra maintains that he has been unfairly targeted. He has said he will continue to fight the allegations and defend himself.
Key Details
- Minister: B Nagendra
- State: Karnataka
- Portfolio: Planning and Statistics
- Resigned: August 28, 2026
- Chief Minister: D K Shivakumar
- Main controversy: Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation case
- Political party: Congress
- Key Opposition demand: Nagendra’s removal from the Cabinet
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