Amajor political showdown erupted outside Karnataka’s Vidhana Soudha on Monday as BJP leaders were detained during a protest demanding the resignation of Planning and Statistics Minister B Nagendra over allegations linked to the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation.
The opposition party attempted to march into the state legislature as part of its “Vidhana Soudha siege” protest. Police stopped the demonstrators at the gates, leading to tense exchanges and scuffles between security personnel and BJP workers.
Several senior BJP leaders, including State President BY Vijayendra and Leader of Opposition in the Assembly R Ashoka, were detained as police prevented protesters from entering the premises.
BJP alleges Rs 187 crore Valmiki Corporation fund diversion
The BJP has intensified its agitation over alleged irregularities involving funds of the Valmiki Corporation, accusing the Congress government of failing to take action against Nagendra.
The party has alleged that Rs 187 crore meant for the welfare of Scheduled Tribe communities was diverted and used for election-related purposes in Karnataka and Telangana.
R Ashoka alleged that the money belonging to the Valmiki Corporation was “looted” and demanded that the funds be returned.
“We are protesting because of Minister Nagendra. He has looted around Rs 180 crore from the Valmiki Corporation. This money should be returned to the people. That is why we are protesting in front of Vidhana Soudha,” Ashoka said.
He also accused the Congress government of using police action to suppress opposition protests.
“If the government resorts to this level of action, it is not good. We are silently protesting, but the Congress government is attacking us. This is not good. Our agitation will continue. We want the resignation of Minister Nagendra,” he said.
Police stop BJP march, detain leaders
BJP workers gathered at multiple entrances of Vidhana Soudha after arriving in cars, auto-rickshaws, and Metro.
A large group of protesters attempted to enter from the Vikasa Soudha side while raising slogans and waving saffron shawls. Police personnel blocked their movement and later detained several workers, including women.
A separate protest was held at Freedom Park under the leadership of Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, along with other senior BJP leaders.
BJP MLC N Ravikumar led one group of protesters, joined by MLC C T Ravi and other party leaders.
Vijayendra attacks Karnataka government
Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra accused the state government of misusing the police force against opposition leaders.
“The protest is against the Congress government, which is reluctant to drop Minister Nagendra from the Cabinet and appears to be supporting corruption. Against this backdrop, we are laying siege to Vidhana Soudha,” Vijayendra said.
He alleged that the government was attempting to suppress the BJP’s agitation.
“The Congress government should be ashamed of this behaviour. You constantly invoke the name of Baba Saheb Ambedkar and claim that injustice is being done to Dalits. Yet, you are protecting a minister who has looted the very money that was set aside for the development of the Dalit community,” he said.
Vijayendra also hit back at criticism that the BJP was engaging in “goondaism”, saying the party was fighting for the interests of Dalits and voicing concerns of affected communities.
Congress launches counter-protest, questions BJP allegations
The Congress held a counter-protest during the BJP demonstration and accused the opposition party of targeting the state government despite corruption allegations against BJP leaders elsewhere.
Congress workers wore masks featuring Karnataka BJP and JD(S) leaders during the protest.
Kushal Abhay Gowda, Congress District (Bangalore West) Vice President, defended the state government and said Nagendra had already addressed the allegations.
“BJP is filled with corruption and corrupt leaders. Instead of questioning those people, the BJP MLAs in Karnataka are questioning our government,” he said.
Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge also attacked the BJP’s protest, asking whether Nagendra had been convicted.
“Is Nagendra a convicted person? Nagendra himself held a press conference to clarify the matter, and the Deputy Chief Minister has already issued a statement on behalf of the government,” Kharge said.
He urged the BJP to raise the issue inside the Assembly instead of holding street protests.
“The BJP is just trying to show a blacklist,” he said.
Kharge also said there were several pending files related to politicians before the Governor and questioned the BJP’s selective criticism.
CBI seeks sanction for prosecution of B Nagendra
The protests come amid allegations surrounding the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation.
The BJP has been demanding accountability and action against those allegedly responsible for the diversion of funds meant for welfare schemes.
Meanwhile, the CBI has sought sanction for the prosecution of B Nagendra from Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot.