R Ashoka Accuses Karnataka Government of Suppressing BJP Protest Over Nagendra

Bengaluru, August 24, 2026; Tensions rose outside Vidhana Soudha on Monday after BJP leaders attempting to march into the state legislature were stopped by police during a protest seeking the resignation of Karnataka Minister B Nagendra.

Karnataka Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka alleged that police used excessive force against BJP workers and leaders who had gathered to demand accountability over the alleged irregularities involving the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation.

The BJP had organised the demonstration at Freedom Park before proceeding towards Vidhana Soudha. Police deployed barricades and personnel to prevent the protesters from entering the legislature premises, resulting in heated exchanges and physical confrontations near the gates.

Ashoka maintained that the BJP’s primary demand was Nagendra’s resignation and recovery of the money allegedly diverted from the Valmiki Corporation. He accused the Congress government of attempting to silence the Opposition and said the protest would continue.

The BJP leader has alleged that around Rs 187 crore linked to the corporation was misappropriated and claimed that the funds were used in connection with Congress election activities in Karnataka and Telangana.

The Congress government, however, rejected the BJP’s approach. Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge questioned the Opposition’s decision to take the matter to the streets instead of raising it through the legislative process.

Kharge said the allegations and the government’s position had already been placed before the public. He urged the BJP to submit a formal notice and debate the issue in the Assembly rather than staging demonstrations outside the legislature.

The Home Minister also questioned whether Nagendra had been convicted and referred to the ongoing legal and investigative process. He further raised questions about pending prosecution-related files involving politicians and the role of constitutional authorities.

The confrontation comes amid continued political pressure over the Valmiki Corporation case, with the BJP seeking action against those it holds responsible and the Congress government maintaining that the matter should be addressed through established legal and legislative procedures.