Siddaramaiah hints at re-induction of ex-minister amid Valmiki fund scam probe

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah hinted at the re-induction of B Nagendra, a former Congress minister facing allegations of involvement in a large-scale Scheduled Tribes welfare fund scam. During an event in Mysuru, Siddaramaiah asserted that Nagendra was a “victim of BJP’s agenda,” suggesting his arrest was politically motivated.
Nagendra had resigned in June after accusations of embezzling funds from Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki ST Development Corporation. While addressing the gathering, Siddaramaiah clarified that no ministerial position for the local HD Kote constituency MLA Anil Chikkamadhu was available.
When supporters of Anil Chikkamadhu asked Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to give the MLA a cabinet spot, in a brusque manner typical to him, Siddaramaiah brushed off the suggestion and asked those to let go of the matter.
He said, “I can’t give ministry now to Anil Chikkamadhu. There’s no vacant spot now in the cabinet. It is given. I’ll tell you that ministry has to be given to Nagendra.”
Meanwhile, Home Minister G Parameshwar said, “If ED and the court gives clean chit to Nagendra and says his involvement wasn’t there in the Valmiki scam, we’ll take him back. There are chances.”
Siddaramaiah emphasised Nagendra’s lack of involvement in any wrongdoing, citing the charges as part of a BJP-led conspiracy aimed at undermining his government. Nagendra, following his release, echoed these claims, asserting that he was pressured by the ED to implicate Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar but he refused, claiming no personal or government involvement in the financial misconduct.
The alleged scam, reportedly involving the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki ST Development Corporation, saw the diversion of approximately Rs 90 crore intended for tribal welfare. The funds, according to the ED, were rerouted to unauthorised accounts, with portions allegedly used for election funding.