B Nagendra denies resignation speculation; Shivakumar calls him ‘disciplined soldier’

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Aug 27, 2026: Planning and Statistics Minister B Nagendra on Wednesday denied speculation that he had offered to resign even as Chief Minister D K Shivakumar cryptically said everyone in Congress abide by the party’s decisions like a “disciplined soldier.”

Amid the CBI seeking Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot’s sanction to prosecute Nagendra (who is out on bail) in the Rs 187-crore Valmiki Corporation scam, and with the opposition parties demanding the “tainted” minister’s ouster, the chief minister, while defending the ST leader, said, “Nagendra has remained out of the Cabinet for two years. I inducted him as the departmental inquiry has given him a clean chit. The CBI and ED have not found a single penny at Nagendra’s house. About 95% of the money allegedly siphoned off has been recovered.”

“Nagendra is a disciplined soldier of the party and will abide by the party diktat,” said Shivakumar, during an interaction at a public forum on Wednesday morning.

Meanwhile, Shivakumar is headed to New Delhi amid speculation that he will discuss with the party’s top brass a minor reshuffle of his Cabinet. The CM is reportedly under pressure to accommodate Byadgi MLA Basavaraj Shivannanavar (Kuruba leader) to placate former chief minister Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and to induct a woman minister into his Cabinet.

“Congress is committed to give a Cabinet berth to woman. In a couple of days, we will induct a woman...,” Shivakumar said at a public event.

To a question on Nagendra’s resignation during a press meet in the evening, the CM said, “The party has faith in Nagendra’s leadership. Let us see...there are no plans to drop him.”

Clarifying on the purpose of his Delhi visit, Shivakumar said, “There is foundation laying for Congress office. Also, I will meet Supreme Court advocates to discuss the Cauvery issue as the CWRC is giving fresh orders to release water to Tamil Nadu every week.”

“We need to explore a legal remedy. I will also meet central ministers,” the chief minister said.