“Maharishi Valmiki Development Corporation was established in Karnataka to economically and socially empower the tribal and scheduled communities. Whenever BJP has come to power, it has worked to provide justice to the SC and ST community. BJP has been fighting against the Tribal Welfare Board scam for many months. ED has raided Nagendra's house and properties and several documents have been inspected,” said senior BJP leader and former minister B. Sriramulu said.

He said that SIT investigation is also going on and ED has also raided 18 places. He suggested that the raids could be based on a complaint filed by Union Bank with the CBI. He alleged that Rs 80 lakh was transferred from Valmiki Corporation to the account of Harish, who was Nagendra's PA.

He also criticized state Home Minister G Parameshwara for saying that he was not aware of the ED raids and claimed that the government was part of a bigger scam.

“The people of the state are calling it a shameless government and calling it a government of thieves. It is important to catch the thieves after the robbery. ED has already arrested an associate of the kingpin in the scam. The ED is moving forward to identify the kingpin,'' he said.

BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra also criticized the Karnataka government for allegedly diverting funds meant for Dalits to other categories.