BJP’s struggle is not limited to Nagendra’s resignation, says Vijayendra

The BJP’s struggle is not limited to the resignation of Minister B. Nagendra, the party’s State president B.Y. Vijayendra said here on Friday, adding that the amount allegedly misused at the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation should be returned to it and others involved in the scam brought to book.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Vijayendra said Mr. Nagendra was only a small fish in the scam, and that there were bigger players involved in the whole affair. “There is no clarity yet on whether he has resigned or whether his resignation has been accepted. I will react once there is clarity on the issue,” he said.

Referring to the press note issued by the Enforcement Directorate, which is investigating the funds misuse case, Mr. Vijayendra said it stated that the money had been diverted for other purposes, including the purchase of gold and liquor.

“Along with the resignation, the money diverted for other purposes should also be remitted back to the corporation. Only then will the people of the Scheduled Tribes, for whom the funds were earmarked, benefit,” he said, adding that his party’s agitation towards that goal would continue. “Our main objective is that the ₹187 crore should be returned to the corporation and utilised for the welfare of the downtrodden,” he said.

He alleged that the Congress high command also had a share in the funds misused. “Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar himself was not interested in taking Mr. Nagendra into the Cabinet. However, he was inducted due to pressure from the party high command. The role of the high command in the entire scam should come out,” he said.

Referring to the delay in providing compensation and other benefits, including provident fund dues to the family of Chandrashekhar, a corporation employee whose death brought the scam to light, Mr. Vijayendra said the State government had shown no humanity and no concern for the family. He said the government should ensure the family received all its dues at the earliest.