Bengaluru, June 3 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated on Monday that he has not requested the resignation of Minister B Nagendra, who is currently facing allegations of illegal money transfer from a state-run corporation.
Siddaramaiah emphasised that any decision regarding Nagendra’s position will be made based on the findings of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) that has been established to investigate the matter.
In response to opposition pressure, Siddaramaiah questioned the authority of the BJP to impose deadlines on the government regarding Nagendra’s removal. The BJP has called for a CBI investigation into the alleged illegal money transfer involving the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation Ltd and has demanded Nagendra’s immediate dismissal.
“There is no immediate threat, and I have not requested Nagendra’s resignation. The SIT report is still pending, as the team was only formed a few days ago. We will decide once their findings,” Siddaramaiah informed reporters.
When asked if he had sought any explanation from Nagendra, Siddaramaiah replied, “I have not yet requested one. I need to examine the preliminary report first. Once that is completed, we will decide on the next steps,” he stated.
Regarding the BJP’s ultimatum for Nagendra’s resignation by June 6 and their threat of a state-wide protest, Siddaramaiah responded, “Who are they to impose ultimatums on us? The opposition must protest against injustice, but the BJP seems to resort to protests fueled by misinformation,” he remarked.
Both Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar affirmed on Saturday that the government will not shield anyone involved in the case and will take appropriate legal action regardless of the individuals implicated.
The controversy arose after Chandrashekhar P, the accounts superintendent at the Corporation, committed suicide on May 26, leaving a death note that uncovered an unauthorised transfer of Rs 187 crore from the corporation’s bank account. Out of this, Rs 88.62 crore was allegedly diverted to accounts linked to prominent IT companies and a Hyderabad-based cooperative bank.
In his death note, Chandrashekhar named the now-suspended Managing Director JG Padmanabh, accounts officer Parashuram G Durugannavar, and Union Bank of India Chief Manager Suchismita Rawal. He also claimed that the “Minister” had given oral orders for the transfer of funds.
On Friday, the state government formed an SIT headed by Manish Kharbikar, Additional Director General of Police, Economic Offences, at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Bengaluru, to lead the investigation.
