GADAG
Bharatiya Janata Party leaders and workers from Shirahatti and Mundargi mandals staged a protest outside the Gadag District Collector’s office, demanding the resignation of Minister B. Nagendra over the alleged irregularities in the Maharishi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation.
Hundreds of party workers took part in the demonstration and raised slogans against the Congress government.
The protesters accused the government of failing to act firmly despite the seriousness of the alleged multi-crore scam. They said it was unacceptable for a minister facing allegations linked to the controversy to continue in office. The demonstrators demanded that Nagendra step down immediately and that the government order a fair and impartial investigation.
The protest was organized by BJP leaders from the Shirahatti Assembly constituency, Shirahatti mandal and Mundargi mandal. Addressing the gathering, party representatives said public money must be protected and those responsible for financial irregularities should face appropriate action. They urged the authorities to ensure that the investigation is conducted without political influence.
The protesters later submitted their demands through the district administration, seeking immediate government intervention. They said people deserve transparency and accountability in the handling of funds meant for the welfare of Scheduled Tribe communities. The demonstration also highlighted the BJP’s criticism of the Congress government’s handling of the controversy.
Mandal president Sunil Mahantashetty, Kumaraswamy Hiremath, district general secretary Pakkiresh Rattihalli, Lingaraj Patil, Gangadhar Menasinakai, Basavaraj Bilimaggada, Pramod Shah Gunda, M.S. Karigowda, Hemagirish Havinal and several other BJP leaders and workers participated. The protesters said they would continue raising the issue until their demand for accountability and a transparent probe is addressed.
