Congress drops minister after repeated controversies; BJP uses row to target party leadership
Resignation After High Command Intervention
Karnataka Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna, a known loyalist of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, was asked to resign on Monday.
The move came after Rajanna allegedly blamed his own party’s government for the alleged “vote theft” in the Mahadevapura Assembly segment.
- Sources claim Rahul Gandhi, who has been leading the “vote theft” charge, wanted Rajanna removed.
- The comments contradicted Congress’s official narrative and gave the BJP fresh ammunition in the Assembly.
A Long History of Party Defiance
Rajanna’s ouster was not an isolated incident but the culmination of months of friction with the Congress leadership:
- June 2024: Hinted at a “political revolution” after September.
- Called for a change in the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president, a post held by DK Shivakumar.
- Publicly said Satish Jarkiholi could become the next state Congress president.
- Accused Karnataka in-charge Randeep Surjewala of holding “illegal” meetings with officials — a claim refuted by Shivakumar.
Controversial Vote Theft Statement
During the current Assembly session, Rajanna stated that alleged voter list irregularities took place when Congress was in power.
His words:
“The irregularities happened right in front of our eyes.”
These remarks:
- Directly contradicted Rahul Gandhi’s charges against the Election Commission and BJP.
- Triggered protests from BJP legislators inside the Assembly.
Congress High Command’s Wait-and-Watch Strategy
- KC Venugopal discussed the matter with CM Siddaramaiah.
- While Siddaramaiah initially resisted action during the Assembly session, the high command overruled.
- If Rajanna makes further controversial remarks, suspension from the party is on the table.
BJP’s Reaction
The BJP accused Congress of suppressing internal voices:
- CT Ravi: “If you tell the truth, you are asked to resign.”
- BJP leaders framed Rajanna’s removal as proof of a lack of democracy within Congress.
Rajanna’s political future remains uncertain. His removal highlights the internal power struggles in Karnataka Congress, while the BJP seeks to turn the controversy into an election weapon.
Also Read : Karnataka Minister KN Rajanna Ousted Over Voter List Remarks, BJP Mocks Congress
