BENGALURU: The BJP is planning to take out a padayatra from Jagalur in Davanagere district to Ballari — ST Nayaka community belt — after the ongoing monsoon session of the legislature to take the issue involving Planning and Statistics Minister B Nagendra to its logical end. But it all depends on whether Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot gives his sanction to prosecute Nagendra, as the CBI is learnt to have sought it. But unless the cabinet gives its approval, the governor is unlikely to give sanction, informed sources told TNSE.
The Opposition BJP, however, has already stepped up its protests in both Houses of the legislature and outside, demanding Nagendra’s resignation over the alleged Rs 187 crore Valmiki ST Development Corporation scam.
As the ruling Congress has been turning the tables against the BJP, accusing it of wasting the legislature’s time by repeated disruptions and not discussing pressing issues such as drought, the Opposition is now likely to adopt a new strategy when the House convenes on Monday.
The padayatra was initially proposed by former minister and prominent ST leader B Sriramulu. However, the BJP leadership is now keen to organise it under the collective leadership of the party’s state unit, sources added.
“They (Congress) have ruined the entire House for the sake of one minister and prevented discussion on drought situation, NICE row, and other issues. Because senior Congress leaders are involved in the ST Corporation scam, they are not seeking Nagendra’s resignation. We intend that the Rs 187 crore should go to the Dalits... Congress intends to cover it up.
We will continue with our struggle to take the matter to its logical conclusion,” LoP in Assembly R Ashoka told reporters. Meanwhile, former CM Siddaramaiah during his recent meeting with AICC General Secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal had insisted that his loyalist and Byadgi MLA Basavaraj Shivannanavar be inducted into the cabinet.