What happened in Karnataka Legislative Assembly
In Karnataka, Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members protested inside the Karnataka Legislative Assembly and demanded the removal of Planning and Statistics Minister B. Nagendra. The Opposition alleged that B. Nagendra was involved in embezzlement of ₹187 crore connected with the State-run Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation Ltd..
Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok also used the Assembly protest to challenge the ruling Congress government on drought governance. R. Ashok alleged that the government had not identified drought-hit taluks and had not prepared a list of areas facing severe drought after deficient monsoon rainfall.
Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddi stated that the government would allow a drought debate if the Opposition withdrew its protest. R. Ashok further demanded that if B. Nagendra were removed, another legislator from the Scheduled Tribe community should be inducted.
R. Ashok also claimed that 31 cases against B. Nagendra were pending before agencies including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Directorate of Enforcement, and the Karnataka Lokayukta. The protest continued for four days at the time of reporting.
Key claims made during the protest
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