Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], August 24 (ANI): High drama unfolded outside the Vikasa Soudha in Bengaluru on Monday as BJP workers, led by senior party leaders, tried to enter the state legislature demanding the resignation of Minister B Nagendra over the alleged multi-crore Karnataka Dalit Valmiki Corporation scam.
The standoff saw BJP leaders push toward the gates of Vidhana Soudha even as police personnel blocked their entry, leading to scuffles and tense stand-offs at the barricades. The demonstration followed a call by Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka, who a day earlier announced that the BJP, in alliance with the JD(S), would "lay siege" to the Vidhana Soudha to demand accountability.
Earlier today, BJP leaders staged a massive protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru before marching to Vidhana Soudha.
The development comes after R Ashoka launched a scathing attack on the ruling Congress government on Sunday over the alleged multi-crore Karnataka Dalit Valmiki Corporation scam.
Ashoka has alleged that Rs 187 crore belonging to the Valmiki Corporation was looted from the state treasury to finance Congress election campaigns in Karnataka and Telangana.
Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Ashoka dismissed claims that Nagendra is being targeted for being a Dalit, saying, "This is not simply about Nagendra. It is about Nagendra in connection with the Rs 187 crore of Dalit money belonging to the Valmiki Corporation that was allegedly siphoned off."
"For the past one week, it has been common knowledge that Rs 187 crore belonging to the Karnataka Dalit Valmiki Corporation was looted from the treasury and sent for the Congress party's elections in Karnataka and Telangana. I have released the documents in this regard. Despite this, the Congress leaders are protesting against us. Why are they protesting against our protest? The ruling party itself is taking to the streets in protest because they want to hide the truth. If there was no truth in these allegations, there would have been no need for them to come onto the streets. The people would have decided for themselves, saying, "There is no truth in this"," he added. (ANI)
Tensions flare at Vidhana Soudha as BJP Leaders try to force entry, demand Nagendra's resignation
