On Tuesday, the Karnataka BJP called for the removal of Minister B. Nagendra from the state Cabinet, citing ongoing cases against him. The party announced plans to hold protests at all district headquarters on Wednesday, August 12. Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka and BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra addressed a joint press conference, emphasizing the party’s opposition to Nagendra’s reinduction. Ashoka pointed out that Nagendra still faces 31 cases and will have to appear in court daily. The BJP’s protests began on Tuesday and will escalate across the state on Wednesday, with leaders, MLAs, MLCs, and party workers staging demonstrations in front of Deputy Commissioners’ offices in all districts.
Ashoka questioned the government’s decision to reinduct Nagendra, asking why he was removed from the Cabinet earlier if there were no grounds to keep him out now. Minister Shivaraj Tangadgi defended the government’s decision, stating that allegations should not be equated with conviction and that Nagendra is only an accused person. Tangadgi also referred to the CID’s clean chit and the ongoing CBI and ED probes. The minister criticized the BJP’s criticism, alleging that they are blind to their own leaders’ alleged wrongdoings, such as those against Gali Janardhana Reddy.
The BJP has vowed to continue protests until the government withdraws Nagendra’s induction into the Cabinet. The party’s agitation is expected to intensify in the coming days, with Ashoka stating that they will not allow the issue to be brushed aside. With the BJP and the government locked in a standoff, the situation is likely to escalate further.
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📰 Source: Mangalorean News