Karnataka Minister Resigns Amid Fund Scandal, BJP Sees Victory

The resignation of Karnataka minister B. Nagendra has been hailed by the BJP as a major victory in its continuing battle. The party has sharpened its attack on the Congress government over the alleged Rs 89-crore Valmiki Development Corporation fund scam, saying its fight is not limited to Nagendra's resignation. The BJP has demanded accountability in the entire matter and to bring back the money allegedly missing. Karnataka's Planning and Statistics Minister B. Nagendra on Friday announced his resignation from the state cabinet within 25 days of assuming office over the Valmiki Corporation scam allegations. Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly R. Ashok told reporters in New Delhi on Friday that Nagendra's resignation is the first blow to the Shivakumar-led Congress government. He said, "Due to our struggle and the struggle of our workers, the first wicket of this government has fallen in the form of Nagendra's resignation. Right now the government has not even completed 3 months. Nagendra has become a minister or a wicket-keeper." Ashok also claimed that within 26 days of taking charge, the BJP has not been targeted.