Karnataka Minister B Nagendra has tendered his resignation from the Cabinet, following corruption allegations linked to a Rs 89-crore scam in the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation. The minister informed Chief Minister DK Shivakumar that he wishes to spare the Congress party any potential embarrassment and step down from his ministerial post. This decision comes amidst escalating protests by the opposition BJP, who have been demanding Nagendra's resignation over the allegations and have announced a 10-day protest march against the state government. The Minister, who is currently holding the Youth Empowerment and Sports portfolio, reportedly believes that his return to the Cabinet could strengthen the Congress party in Ballari, where he holds significant political influence. As Chief Minister Shivakumar considers Nagendra's resignation, investigations by agencies like CBI and ED have revealed that funds were diverted through forged cheques, RTGS transactions, and fictitious bank accounts. The alleged scam came to light in May 2024 after the suicide of corporation official P Chandrashekharan, who left a note accusing officials of financial wrongdoing and pressure to transfer funds into unauthorized accounts. Nagendra had previously resigned as minister in June 2024 amidst the controversy but was re-inducted into the Cabinet after Shivakumar took over as Chief Minister. The ED has also identified around 18 fictitious accounts in Hyderabad, allegedly used to receive funds, and claimed that some of the diverted money was used in connection with the 2024 Lok Sabha election in Ballari, including alleged cash distribution. These are yet to be adjudicated by a court. The CBI has charged Nagendra along with several others for conspiring to divert funds through forged banking documents and a network of accounts.