Rahul Gandhi Likely To Visit Karnataka, Party To Decide On Nagendra’s Resignation: D K Shivakumar

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is likely to visit Karnataka soon, while the party will decide on whether Planning and Statistics Minister B. Nagendra should resign, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said on Thursday. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Shivakumar said he had met Rahul Gandhi and discussed issues concerning Karnataka, the country and the Congress party. He added that the discussions also covered recent developments involving Tamil Nadu and decisions taken in that regard.

Shivakumar also confirmed plans to organise a conference for gig workers in coordination with the Labour Department. He said the state government had prepared legislation aimed at benefiting gig workers and that Rahul Gandhi had offered suggestions on the issue. According to the Chief Minister, Gandhi would also take up the matter at the national level.

On education policy, Shivakumar said the Karnataka government was examining the structure of school education and broader education policy in the state. He said a Cabinet sub-committee headed by Minister U.T. Khader had been formed, with four ministers on the panel. The committee will consult experts and focus on keeping education affordable and ensuring transparency in examinations.

Also Read: Karnataka Cabinet Change Likely As Shivakumar Heads To Delhi For Key Meeting

Asked about B. Nagendra, Shivakumar said the Congress party would discuss the matter and take a decision on his resignation. He described Nagendra as a loyal party leader and a four-time MLA, while rejecting allegations against him in connection with the alleged tribal welfare scam. Shivakumar maintained that no money had been seized from Nagendra and accused the Opposition of politicising the issue.

The Chief Minister also alleged that the BJP was targeting his government because Congress had won all 17 Scheduled Tribe-reserved seats in Karnataka. On demands for greater representation of women in the state Cabinet, he said the matter would be discussed. Reacting to the BJP's proposed padayatra, Shivakumar said the government could not prevent the Opposition from holding a protest, while accusing BJP leaders of not following the required Assembly procedure.

Also Read: Karnataka CM to Discuss Cabinet Reshuffle With Congress Leadership in Delhi