'I Could Become Karnataka CM Too': Ex-Minister B Nagendra After Bail in Valmiki Corporation Scam

Ballari (Karnataka): Congress MLA B Nagendra, who was recently released on bail in the multi-crore Valmiki Corporation scam case, on Thursday said he has a great future as he too has a chance to become the Chief Minister of the state and expressed confidence in his political future.

Responding to MLA Janardhana Reddy’s remark about him facing 18 criminal cases, Nagendra stated that there have been instances of individuals with as many as 100 criminal cases becoming Chief Minister.

Nagendra, who resigned as the Tribal Welfare Minister following the exposure of a ₹89.63 crore scam in the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation, was arrested by the Directorate of Enforcement. He was granted bail on Wednesday after three and a half months in custody.

“Not just 18, but those with 100 cases became Chief Minister. In the coming days I too have a great future. If I work dedicatedly for the Congress , why shouldn’t I become the Chief Minister?” the former minister asked.

He further added, “Didn’t Congress make an ordinary worker like me a minister? Congress has a tradition of honouring ordinary workers.” Referring to his recent meeting with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, he said he discussed the irregularities in the Valmiki Corporation with him.

“In the last three months, I could not discuss with him anything. After my sudden arrest, I could not speak to him. I told him about the incident that happened,” Nagendra said.

Regarding the scam, the Congress MLA said the irregularities caused him immense pain, stressing that he and the state government are committed to ensuring that no funds are misused.

“We have recovered ₹79 crore. Karnataka’s SIT is the only institution which has recovered 99 percent of the amount. Only ₹3 crore remains to be recovered. We will not let go even a single rupee. We will not spare these thieves,” he stated.

Nagendra also questioned the allegations made against him, asking if any money was recovered from him personally.

“Has the money been recovered from me? The SIT has given me a clean chit. After the SIT gave me a clean chit, they ( BJP ) were afraid that the Congress will regain strength in Ballari. Hence they decided to ruin me. However, the court took note of it and granted me bail. I will come out clean in this case,” he asserted.

He added that he is being targeted by the BJP because of his rising political stature, suggesting that the party cannot tolerate his inclusive leadership style.

Nagendra further accused the BJP of attempting to destabilize the Congress government in Karnataka.

“When did BJP come to power on its own in Karnataka? Though we won 134 out of 224 seats in the assembly election, the BJP is trying to make petty attempts to destabilize our government,” he said.

When asked whether he expects to become a minister again, Nagendra stated that the decision lies with the party leadership.

“The court has granted bail. I am confident. It is left to the Chief Minister, high command, and party president D K Shivakumar. Whatever decision they take, I will stick to it,” the MLA concluded.

(With PTI inputs)