I face cases, still became CM: Shivakumar defends B Nagendra’s Cabinet induction

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Aug. 4, 2026: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Monday defended the induction of B. Nagendra into his Cabinet, dismissing criticism from the Opposition BJP over the Bellary MLA’s inclusion despite his alleged involvement in the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation scam.

Nagendra had resigned from the previous Siddaramaiah-led Cabinet after allegations surfaced regarding the embezzlement of ₹89 crore from the state-run corporation. According to his 2023 election affidavit, he also faces 42 pending criminal cases.

The BJP criticised the appointment, questioning why a leader accused of siphoning off funds meant for Scheduled Tribes had been rewarded with a ministerial berth.

Responding to the criticism, Shivakumar pointed out that he too had faced criminal and corruption cases in the past.

"There are cases against me as well. Corruption cases were filed against me, and I was even sent to jail. Yet, the party made me the Chief Minister," he said. Shivakumar’s 2023 election affidavit lists 19 pending criminal cases.

’Have patience,’ CM tells disappointed MLAs

Appealing to Congress legislators upset over being left out of the Cabinet, Shivakumar urged them to remain patient, assuring them that opportunities would be provided in due course.

Speaking to reporters after chairing the first meeting of the expanded Cabinet, he said there were many deserving leaders but not everyone could be accommodated at once.

Citing his own political journey and that of Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara, Shivakumar said both had been overlooked for ministerial positions in the past but were later entrusted with higher responsibilities.

"There are many capable people. No one is ineligible. The party has taken a decision, and everyone will get an opportunity at the right time," he said.

He recalled that several senior Congress leaders, including S. Bangarappa, Mallikarjun Kharge, Dharam Singh, Lakkappa and Aziz Sait, had also missed Cabinet berths at different points in their careers.

"We remained patient. That patience made me the Chief Minister and Parameshwara the Deputy Chief Minister," he said.

Shivakumar also assured the disgruntled legislators that he and Parameshwara would personally reach out to them and find suitable roles wherever possible.

Woman minister to be included

The Chief Minister said the government would ensure adequate representation for women in the Cabinet.

Referring to Gayathri Shanthegowda, he said certain technical issues had delayed her induction but reiterated that the Congress was committed to women’s representation.

"There is no Congress without women. We will have a woman in the Cabinet," he said.

Ministers asked to tour districts

Chairing a two-hour meeting of the expanded Cabinet, Shivakumar instructed the newly inducted ministers to begin district tours from Wednesday to assess local issues and accelerate governance.

He said the ministers had been briefed on the key challenges facing the state and were expected to engage directly with the public and district administrations.

Drought concerns persist

Revenue Minister G. Parameshwara said drought conditions continued to prevail in parts of the state, with 111 taluks in North Karnataka experiencing a prolonged dry spell for the past four weeks.

While recent rainfall had improved inflows into some reservoirs, he said only a few districts had received significant rain, and the drought situation remained a matter of concern.