Karnataka Minister Nagendra Resigns Amid Tribal Welfare Scam Probe

Karnataka Planning and Statistics Minister B. Nagendra resigned from the state Cabinet on Friday, August 28, 2026, amid sustained political pressure over alleged financial irregularities in a tribal welfare corporation. His departure comes just 25 days after he was reinducted into the government, reigniting a controversy that first forced him from office two years ago.

Nagendra announced his decision at a press conference in Bengaluru after meeting with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. "Today, I am voluntarily tendering my resignation as the minister," he told reporters, stating he had formally handed over his resignation letter. He said he stepped down to avoid embarrassing the Congress party and its leadership, despite the Chief Minister telling him he was innocent and did not need to resign.

The resignation is linked to the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation scam, which allegedly involves the diversion of approximately 89 crore rupees. The case came to light in May 2024 after an accountant with the corporation died by suicide, leaving a note that alleged unauthorized transfers of funds. Investigations found that large sums were moved from a...