Allegations of Fraud Rock Karnataka Ministry, Minister Offers to Resign

In the wake of allegations surrounding the multi-crore illegal diversion of funds from the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation Limited, Scheduled Tribes Welfare Minister B. Nagendra has offered to resign voluntarily to maintain the integrity of the Congress party and the Karnataka government. While Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar affirmed Nagendra’s innocence in the scam, stating that there is no compulsion for resignation, the minister has chosen to step down to preserve the party’s honor.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated a probe into the matter following a complaint filed by the Union Bank of India, alleging embezzlement of public funds from the corporation. The State Government has ordered a thorough investigation, with arrests already made in connection with the case. Opposition parties, particularly the BJP, have intensified calls for ministerial resignations amidst the ongoing scandal, highlighting the political turbulence in Karnataka’s corridors of power.