Bengaluru, Aug. 19 -- Karnataka Minister B Nagendra on Wednesday hit back at demands for his resignation, alleging he was being targeted because he is a Dalit and belongs to the Congress party.

"There are cases against the central ministers and MP's. Why don't you demand their resignations? Today, you are targeting me because I belong to the Congress party and because I am a Dalit," Nagendra said.

Citing data, he alleged that there are "serious criminal cases against 126 people among the 326 people," including "heinous offences such as kidnapping, rape, attempt to murder and sexual assault."

Nagendra named leaders from the ruling party and demanded they resign first. "For instance, there is a Chief Minister from your party, Suvendu Adh...