Karnataka Minister's Resignation Drama Amid Illegal Money Transfer Scandal

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar announced that Minister B Nagendra, facing allegations in an illegal money transfer case, has not resigned yet. Shivakumar clarified that Nagendra would resign after a press meet. The scandal involves a significant unauthorised transfer of funds from a state-run corporation.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Thursday clarified that Minister B Nagendra, embroiled in allegations linked to an illegal money transfer case, has not resigned, contrary to earlier reports. Shivakumar stated that the Scheduled Tribes Welfare Minister will submit his resignation later today after addressing a press conference.

The clarification came after a flurry of meetings, including one with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, in which Shivakumar initially claimed that Nagendra had voluntarily decided to resign to avoid embarrassing the party. Nagendra, also serving as Youth Empowerment and Sports Minister, has expressed his willingness to face any investigation, including one by the CBI.

The controversy centers around the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation Ltd, which saw Rs 187 crore illegally transferred from its bank account. The issue became public following the suicide of accounts superintendent Chandrashekhar P, who left behind a note revealing the misappropriation and naming several officials and the 'Minister' involved.