BJP Stages Protest Over Alleged Karnataka Maharishi Valmiki Scam

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) protests against the Karnataka Congress government, alleging misconduct in the Karnataka Maharishi Valmiki Corporation Board and MUDA at Freedom Park. Five ministers addressed the media, accusing BJP of political manipulation. Former minister B Nagendra's wife detained, and corruption revealed following an official's suicide.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) protested against the Karnataka Congress government on Thursday, accusing it of involvement in the Karnataka Maharishi Valmiki Corporation Board scam and the MUDA scam at Freedom Park. The alleged scam involves illegal fund transfers from the Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Corporation, responsible for welfare programs for scheduled tribes.

During a press conference, five Karnataka ministers criticized the central government over the alleged scam. Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge claimed that the BJP leverages central agencies like the IT, ED, and CBI to destabilize state governments. He cited instances since 2014, including Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, and Maharashtra, where BJP allegedly manipulated state politics.

On Wednesday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) detained Manjula, the wife of former Karnataka Minister B Nagendra. A Bengaluru Court has placed Nagendra in judicial custody until July 18 in connection with the alleged scam. The investigation gained traction following the suicide of corporation official Chandrasekaran, who left a note exposing corruption.

The suicide note identified three officials allegedly involved in a multi-crore corruption scheme. Chandrasekaran's death on May 26 brought the scandal to light, prompting Nagendra to resign amid the ongoing investigation. Nagendra denies the allegations and believes the inquiry will clear him.

(With inputs from agencies.)