BJP-JDS to intensify protest over Valmiki Corporation scam

Bengaluru: The BJP and JD(S) are set to intensify their agitation demanding the resignation of Minister B Nagendra over the alleged Valmiki Development Corporation scam, with the opposition alliance deciding to continue its protest in both Houses of the legislature.

The BJP and JD(S) have been staging continuous protests in the Assembly and Legislative Council for the past five days. Opposition leaders have decided to take the agitation forward and give it a decisive direction. JD(S) legislators have reportedly been instructed by Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy to continue the protest after discussions with Leader of Opposition R Ashoka.

The BJP has also announced plans to lay siege to Vidhana Soudha on Monday. Ashoka said the protest rally would begin from Freedom Park at 9.30am and proceed towards Vidhana Soudha.

Ashoka alleged that there was overwhelming evidence of financial irregularities involving the Valmiki Development Corporation and said the opposition had already submitted documents relating to the alleged misuse of funds. He claimed the Congress government was attempting to divert attention from the issue by staging a counter-protest.

Meanwhile, the BJP is preparing to undertake a padayatra demanding Nagendra’s resignation. Party leaders are considering two possible routes for the proposed march from the Ballari region. The options include routes through Jagaluru, Kudligi, Sandur and Kampli, or through Jagaluru, Molakalmuru, Challakere and Kudligi before reaching Ballari.

The party is expected to finalise the date and route on August 26. Former minister B. Sriramulu has reportedly briefed the state leadership about the proposed programme.However, Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi hit back at the BJP, questioning its right to demand Nagendra’s resignation.