Nagendra hits back at BJP, says he did nothing wrong at Valmiki development corporation

Bengaluru: Minister B Nagendra Tuesday hit back at BJP allegations over the alleged Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation scam, asserting that he had done nothing wrong.

Nagendra, who was Scheduled Tribes welfare minister when the alleged crime occurred, also indicated that he enjoys the backing of chief minister DK Shivakumar and the Congress high command.

“Even when I was minister previously, I had said there was no wrongdoing on my part and that almost all the money which was siphoned off was recovered. I am only an accused in the case and not a convict,” said Nagendra, a four-time legislator from Bellary Rural.

With BJP threatening to stall the monsoon session unless he is removed, Nagendra said the opposition’s allegations would be answered on the floor of the House.

“BJP has always oppressed backward castes, Dalits and minorities,” Nagendra said. “They cannot stand development of oppressed castes. I will respond appropriately to opposition members in the legislature. Not only me, but even my cabinet colleagues and Congress MLAs will respond to their allegations against me.”

Nagendra is among 19 newly inducted ministers yet to receive portfolios. He also rejected allegations that he had violated court restrictions by travelling outside Karnataka.

“My friends in BJP are unaware of this but whether it was visiting Delhi, Tirupathi, Shirdi or Kamakhya temple, I obtained court permission,” he said. “Besides, there is now a stay on the specific condition preventing me from travelling outside the state. I am like a wounded tiger and will prove my administrative mettle, irrespective of the portfolio I get.”

Opposition leader R Ashoka, meanwhile, insisted BJP and JD(S) will not allow the House to function unless Nagendra is dropped from the cabinet.

“If they intend to conduct the legislature session responsibly, then Nagendra must first resign. Issues such as Bidadi Township and KPSC need to be discussed in this session but for any debate to take place, he must first quit,” Ashoka said.

He alleged Nagendra is facing cases before multiple agencies and would have to regularly appear before courts. “There are three cases pending with the CBI, five cases registered with the Lokayukta, one case with SIT, a CID case in Karwar and an ongoing case in Chennai. A total of 31 cases is under investigation. When will he (have time) to come to Vidhana Soudha? When will he conduct department work?” Ashoka asked. He reiterated that Nagendra had pressured Shivakumar and Congress high command to secure his induction into the cabinet.

Source: The Times of India