Shivakumar defends embattled minister as BJP launches Assembly protest

The opposition has intensified its pressure, with Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka launching an indefinite day-and-night dharna inside the state Assembly. Ashoka accuses the ruling Congress of shielding Nagendra, claiming the minister misappropriated 180 crores in funds specifically earmarked for the Dalit community. The protest follows a tense standoff at the legislature where police detained several BJP leaders attempting to enter the building.

Karnataka BJP State President BY Vijayendra condemned the police deployment, characterizing it as a suppression of dissent. In response, Congress workers organized counter-protests, donning masks of senior opposition figures to deflect accusations of corruption back onto the BJP. Home Minister Priyank Kharge further challenged the opposition’s narrative, questioning whether Nagendra had been convicted of any wrongdoing. He urged the BJP to move the debate from the streets to the Assembly floor, arguing that the government has already addressed the matter through official statements.