BJP clashes with police in Bengaluru over Valmiki Corporation scandal

R Ashoka accused the Congress-led government of weaponizing police force against what he described as a silent protest. Demonstrators pushed against barricades, seeking to hold the administration accountable for funds allegedly diverted to finance election campaigns in Karnataka and Telangana. Ashoka maintains the protest will continue until the minister steps down, framing the police response as a direct assault on the opposition's right to dissent.

Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge dismissed the demonstrations as street theatrics, challenging the BJP to move the debate into the Assembly. Kharge questioned the basis for the protests, noting that Nagendra has not been convicted and that the government has already addressed the matter on the record. He suggested the opposition submit a formal notice for a floor debate rather than staging public marches, while hinting at other pending corruption files currently held at the Governor’s house.