Karnataka BJP workers detained in protest outside Vidhana Soudha over minister's alleged role in tribal welfare scam
Bengaluru, Aug 24 – Karnataka BJP workers and leaders attempted to lay siege to Vidhana Soudha on Monday, demanding the resignation of Planning and Statistics Minister B. Nagendra over an alleged tribal welfare scam. Police made elaborate security arrangements and prevented protesters from entering the state secretariat premises, detaining several leaders and workers.
The protest was led by senior BJP MLC N. Ravikumar, who was joined by MLC C.T. Ravi and several other party leaders. A parallel protest was held at Freedom Park under the leadership of Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, along with other senior BJP leaders.
A large number of BJP workers attempted to enter Vidhana Soudha from the Vikasa Soudha side, but police stopped them at the entrance, leading to a confrontation as protesters tried to push their way through while waving saffron shawls. Police personnel pushed the protesters back and detained several workers, including women, who were taken into BMTC buses and other vehicles.
The protesters raised slogans demanding Nagendra's resignation and shouted, "We want justice" and "Resignation must", along with "Where did the money go, money went to Rahul Gandhi's residence". Some protesters also alleged that money meant for Dalit welfare had been diverted.
Another group led by BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra and Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka also attempted to enter the Vidhana Soudha premises. Police prevented them and detained several leaders. Ashoka and Vijayendra were among those forcibly lifted by police personnel and taken to vehicles.
Speaking to reporters from inside a police vehicle, Ashoka accused the Congress government of misusing funds meant for Dalit welfare. "The government has gobbled up money belonging to Dalits. Dalits are waiting for their money to be returned for welfare schemes, but the Congress government has shared the money among its [leaders]," he said.
He criticized the police action, alleging rough handling of protesters. Vijayendra stated that the protest was against the Congress government's reluctance to drop Nagendra, adding that the government "appears to be supporting corruption". He also cited "goondaism" allegations and called Chief Minister a "goonda".
BJP MLC N. Ravi Kumar stated that an investigation revealed more than Rs 100 crore was spent on elections in other states and Rs 20 crore in the Ballari election, referring to alleged irregularities in the Karnataka Maharshi Valiiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation.