BENGALURU: Karnataka BJP leaders on Friday termed minister B Nagendra’s resignation a “victory” for their sustained agitation over the alleged Valmiki Development Corporation fund scam, but said the resignation was only the beginning of their fight to recover the money and establish accountability for the entire episode.Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly R Ashoka said in New Delhi that Nagendra’s resignation marked the first setback for the Congress government, which, he claimed, had not even completed three months, news agency PTI reported.“Our struggle, and the struggle of our workers, resulted in this government losing its first wicket in the form of Nagendra’s resignation,” Ashoka said.“This government headed by Shivakumar has not even completed three months. Nagendra has not even completed 25 or 26 days as a minister, and already one wicket has fallen. Going forward, there will only be more wickets falling.”BJP says fight is over Rs 187 croreAshoka said the BJP’s agitation was not directed only at Nagendra but focused on the alleged diversion of funds meant for Dalit communities.“Our struggle is against the looting of Rs 187 crore belonging to Dalits,” he said.He said BJP workers had staged protests “day and night” and raised slogans in the Assembly, following which the government curtailed the session.“We had said that we would not relent until Nagendra resigned. Everything is over. The resignation letter has also been submitted,” Ashoka said.Calling the development “a complete victory” for the BJP’s struggle, Ashoka said he would consult party leaders and state BJP president B Y Vijayendra on the proposed padayatra.He also said the party would continue its agitation on issues concerning people, farmers and the poor.Ashoka said he had met the BJP’s national president in Delhi and discussed developments in the party.“Our national president also conveyed the message that we should undertake more struggles,” he said.Karnataka BJP president B Y Vijayendra said Nagendra was only a minor player in the alleged scam and demanded that the money be recovered and the larger conspiracy exposed.“Nagendra is only a small fry. There are big sharks involved in this scam,” he told reporters in Bengaluru.“Our fundamental objective is to ensure that the Rs 187 crore belonging to the Valmiki Development Corporation is brought back to the corporation,” he said.The Shikaripura MLA said the money earmarked for the development of exploited communities must be recovered.Vijayendra said the BJP’s agitation would not end with Nagendra’s resignation and demanded that the identities of the alleged key players in the scam be brought to light.“Our struggle is not limited to seeking his resignation. We are fighting on the basis of all these issues,” he said.The BJP leaders said the party would continue its protests until accountability was fixed and the funds were recovered.(With agency inputs)
