New Delhi/Bengaluru, Aug 28 (PTI) Karnataka BJP leaders on Friday termed Minister B Nagendra’s resignation as a “victory” for their sustained agitation over the alleged Rs 89 crore Valmiki Development Corporation fund scam, while asserting that their fight would continue to establish accountability for the entire episode.
Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly R Ashoka told reporters in New Delhi that the resignation marked the first setback for the D K Shivakumar-led Congress government, which, he said, had not completed three months.
“Our struggle, and the struggle of our workers, resulted in this government losing its first wicket in the form of Nagendra’s resignation,” Ashoka said.
“This government headed by Shivakumar has not even completed three months. Nagendra has not even completed 25 or 26 days as a minister, and already one wicket has fallen. Going forward, there will only be more wickets falling.” Ashoka said the BJP’s agitation was over the alleged diversion of Dalit funds and not merely against Nagendra personally. “Our struggle is against the looting of Rs 187 crore belonging to Dalits,” he said, adding that the party had staged protests “day and night” and raised slogans in the Assembly, following which the government curtailed the session.
“We had said that we would not relent until Nagendra resigned. Everything is over. The resignation letter has also been submitted,” Ashoka said.
Calling it “a complete victory” for the BJP’s struggle, Ashoka said he would consult party leaders and state president B Y Vijayendra on the proposed padayatra. He said the BJP would continue its agitation on issues concerning people, farmers and the poor.
Ashoka also said he had met the BJP’s national president in Delhi and discussed developments in the party. “Our national president also conveyed the message that we should undertake more struggles,” he said.
Meanwhile, Karnataka BJP president B Y Vijayendra said Nagendra was only a small player in the alleged scam and demanded that the money be recovered and the larger conspiracy exposed.
“Nagendra is only a small fry. There are big sharks involved in this scam,” he told reporters in Bengaluru.
“Our fundamental objective is to ensure that the Rs 187 crore belonging to the Valmiki Development Corporation is brought back to the corporation,” he said.
The Shikaripura MLA said the money earmarked for the development of the exploited communities must be recovered.
Vijayendra said the BJP’s agitation was not confined to Nagendra’s resignation and demanded that the identities of other alleged major players in the scam be brought to light.
“Our struggle is not limited to seeking his resignation. We are fighting on the basis of all these issues,” he said. PTI GMS ROH
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