Ballari: Former Karnataka minister B. Nagendra has denied having any role in the alleged Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation scam and criticised the BJP’s ongoing padayatra against the Congress government.

Nagendra, who resigned from the Karnataka Cabinet on August 28 amid continued political pressure over the case, has maintained that he is innocent and that the allegations against him are politically motivated. The BJP, however, has continued its campaign, demanding accountability and alleging that Nagendra was involved in the controversy.

The BJP began its 10-day ‘Ballari Chalo’ padayatra on September 1, with the march starting from Lingasugur in Raichur district and scheduled to end in Ballari. The party has said it will continue raising the issue of the alleged scam and other concerns involving the State Government.

Nagendra rejects allegations

Nagendra has repeatedly denied involvement in the alleged irregularities linked to the Valmiki Corporation.

The former minister resigned from the Cabinet despite maintaining that he had done no wrong. At the time of his resignation, he said he was stepping down to ensure that the controversy did not embarrass the Congress party or its leadership.

Nagendra had also said that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had told him that he was innocent but that he chose to resign on his own.

He has criticised the Opposition for continuing to target him over the issue and questioned the BJP’s campaign against him.

BJP continues Ballari padayatra

The BJP’s padayatra has emerged as a major political flashpoint in Karnataka.

The 10-day march, which began on September 1, is aimed at putting pressure on the Congress government and highlighting the alleged Valmiki Corporation fund irregularities, along with other issues concerning governance and the State.

BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra has accused Nagendra of being a key accused in the alleged scam and has argued that the party’s agitation will continue even beyond his resignation.

Vijayendra has also alleged that larger figures are yet to be exposed in the case and described Nagendra as a “small fish” in the alleged scam. He said the BJP would continue its campaign until the alleged wrongdoing is fully investigated and money meant for the affected community is recovered.

The BJP has maintained that Nagendra’s resignation was the result of sustained pressure from the Opposition and has vowed to continue its agitation.

Congress questions BJP campaign

Congress leaders have questioned the purpose of the BJP’s padayatra and argued that the Opposition should present evidence and participate in a discussion instead of relying on political protests.

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge recently said the Congress Government was prepared to discuss the allegations in the Assembly. He claimed that the BJP had not come forward for a detailed debate despite the government being ready with its response.

Kharge also said the BJP should place evidence before the public instead of relying on what he described as “hit-and-run” politics.

The Congress has continued to stand by Nagendra even after his resignation, while the BJP has maintained that the resignation does not end the issue.

Valmiki Corporation case remains a political flashpoint

The controversy centres on alleged irregularities involving funds of the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation.

The case has been under investigation by multiple agencies, and allegations concerning the diversion of funds have become a major political issue in Karnataka. Nagendra had earlier served as the minister handling the portfolio associated with the corporation.

The political controversy intensified after investigative agencies pursued the case and the Opposition repeatedly demanded Nagendra’s removal from the Cabinet. He had resigned earlier as minister over the issue and was later re-inducted into the Cabinet in August 2026.

The Enforcement Directorate has also investigated the alleged financial irregularities, while other investigative proceedings have examined different aspects of the case.

Nagendra’s position has remained that he was not directly involved in the alleged diversion of funds. The allegations against him remain subject to the ongoing legal and investigative process.

BJP vows to continue agitation

The BJP has made it clear that Nagendra’s resignation will not bring its campaign to an end.

Vijayendra has said the party’s objective is to seek justice for the affected community, recover the allegedly diverted money and identify everyone responsible for the irregularities.

The BJP’s padayatra from Lingasugur to Ballari is therefore being viewed as part of a larger political campaign against the Congress Government ahead of the next electoral cycle.

For the Congress, the challenge is to counter the Opposition’s allegations while defending its handling of the investigation and Nagendra’s position.

As the BJP’s 10-day padayatra continues, the Valmiki Corporation controversy is likely to remain a prominent political issue in Karnataka. Nagendra’s denial of involvement and the BJP’s allegations against him represent opposing positions, while the final facts will depend on the findings of the ongoing investigations and legal proceedings.