High Command Acts After Controversial Statement
Karnataka Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna, once seen as a staunch loyalist of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, was asked to resign today. The Congress high command reportedly took this step after Rajanna publicly blamed his own party’s government for alleged “vote theft” in an assembly segment. Sources said that Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, who has been spearheading the “vote theft” allegations, personally pushed for Rajanna’s removal.
Trouble Brewing Since June
While the remark triggered immediate action, political observers note that tensions had been simmering for months. Since June, Rajanna had made several controversial statements, hinting at a “massive political upheaval” in Karnataka.
That month, he claimed there were “too many power centres” in the state Congress and predicted a “political revolution” after September. He also suggested a possible change in the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) leadership, a post currently held by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
“I will never demand a position, but if given a responsibility, I will fulfil it efficiently,” Rajanna said at the time, adding that he would resign as minister if appointed KPCC president. His suggestion that PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi could take over as state party chief further fuelled speculation.
Crossing the ‘Lakshman Rekha’
Rajanna’s remarks drew caution from senior leaders, including Home Minister G Parameshwara, who reminded party members not to cross the “Lakshman Rekha.”
He also accused Karnataka in-charge Randeep Surjewala of holding “illegal” meetings with government officials during a state visit — a claim swiftly dismissed by Shivakumar as “completely false.”
“This is our government. If there is any issue, Surjewala will speak to us directly,” Shivakumar said in July, rejecting Rajanna’s allegations.
The Final Straw
The controversy escalated after Rahul Gandhi alleged that over one lakh bogus voters were registered in Mahadevapura Assembly segment in Bangalore Central Parliamentary Constituency. While Gandhi blamed the irregularities on the BJP, Rajanna countered that they occurred “right in front of our eyes” when Congress was in power in Karnataka.
His statement sparked uproar in the Assembly, with BJP legislators demanding clarifications from Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil and Rajanna.
Congress general secretary KC Venugopal reportedly discussed the issue with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Though Siddaramaiah was initially reluctant to act during the ongoing Assembly session, sources say Rahul Gandhi insisted on Rajanna’s removal.
Possible Suspension on the Horizon
The high command is said to be monitoring the situation closely. Sources indicated that if Rajanna continues to make contentious remarks, the party may suspend him. “They are adopting a wait-and-watch approach,” one source said, noting that further disciplinary measures remain on the table.
With this move, the Congress leadership has signalled that public criticism of the party’s own government — especially on sensitive issues like voter irregularities — will not be tolerated, even from senior ministers.
