The BJP will shortly launch a protest across Dakshina Kannada and other parts of the State demanding the removal of B. Nagendra from D.K. Shivakumar’s cabinet, Dakshina Kannada district BJP president Satish Kumpala said in Mangaluru on Wednesday.

Talking to reporters, Mr. Kumpala said the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Mr. Nagendra, who was the Minister for Scheduled Tribes Welfare Department, for his active participation in a conspiracy to siphon off ₹89.93 crore from the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation Ltd. The ED found evidence of the use of these funds for the campaign in the Telangana Assembly election.

Mr. Kumpala said despite assurances by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar of zero tolerance for corruption, he had brought Mr. Nagendra back to the cabinet. The BJP and Janata Dal (Secular) will raise the demand for the removal of Mr. Nagendra from the cabinet during the proceedings of the two Houses of the State legislature, which begin on Thursday. The legislators of the two parties will not take part in the proceedings until Mr. Nagendra is removed from the cabinet. The State BJP president has already announced statewide protests demanding Mr. Nagendra’s removal.

“We will shortly announce the dates of protests to be held across Dakshina Kannada,” Mr. Kumpala said.

Asked about the statement by Mr. Nagendra that he was targeted because he comes from a Backward Classes community, Mr. Kumpala said the minister faces a serious charge of siphoning off nearly ₹90 crore. He cannot take shelter behind his community to evade accountability for such a serious charge.

Tiranga Yatra

A Tiranga Yatra was held in Puttur, Mangaluru, Mangaluru City South, and Sullia Assembly constituencies. Legal hurdles have been cleared and the yatra will be held in Kalladka in Bantwal taluk on Thursday. It will be held in Belthangady and Mangaluru City North Assembly constituencies on Saturday. The yatra will be held in Moodbidri Assembly constituency on Sunday, Mr. Kumpala said.

Published - August 12, 2026 09:11 pm IST