Karnataka minister KN Rajanna has been ousted from his position by the Congress party, with sources indicating Rahul Gandhi was instrumental in his removal and that more disciplinary action might be taken.
The minister's comments on claimed manipulation of the voter roll by the Election Commission had terribly offended the party leadership. His ousting came reportedly after top Congress leader KC Venugopal met Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
The charge that the Election Commission is conspiring with the BJP to bring in huge numbers of bogus voters has been one of the central narratives pushed by Rahul Gandhi. Following his press conference and briefing to the INDIA bloc on the matter last Thursday, the scandal blew up into a full-blown political controversy.
In this context, Rajanna’s comments about alleged voter list tampering in Karnataka’s Mahadevapura constituency—a crucial test case for the Congress in 2024—undermined Gandhi’s claims and benefited the BJP’s position.
Rajanna pointed out that it was the Congress government in power when the alleged manipulation took place. He made it clear that this should have been addressed at the time rather than now.
"When was the voters list made? It was made when our own government was at the helm. During that time, was everybody just sitting silently with eyes closed? If we talk in a casual manner, we'll have to say many things," Rajanna replied.
"These anomalies did occur—that's the fact. There is nothing untrue in this. These anomalies occurred right under our noses—we should be ashamed. We didn't do something about it then. That's why we need to be on our guard in the future," he said.
"When the draft electoral rolls are prepared, we have to file objections—that is our duty. We remained silent at that time and now we are speaking," Rajanna said.
The Congress high command is following the situation very closely, and Rajanna's situation is still not out of danger. If he utters any other controversial statement, the party can take more stringent actions, including suspension.
Sources further indicated that Rajanna is extremely disappointed with the decision of the party, and certain MLAs and ministers close to him are already considering their future steps. He is likely to sit down with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah once again to continue the discussion on the issue.
Party sources point out that Rajanna has been in the line of fire for consistent blunders. A key confidant of Siddaramaiah, he has consistently gone against central leadership instructions and publicly demanded leadership at state Congress.
Rajanna has come out in open demand for a shift in the state party chief's role, which is now occupied by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. He openly challenged Shivakumar and even announced in Delhi that he is willing to do the job himself.
He also foretold a "political revolution" in Karnataka in September and raised doubts about the intentions of senior leader Randeep Surjewala for sitting with government leaders, voicing his displeasure.
His recent comment on the "vote theft" charge—a charge Rahul Gandhi publicized on August 7—appears to have been the last straw for the party's response against him.
The BJP, which had protested strongly in the assembly against Rajanna's remarks, seeking explanations from Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil and Rajanna, ridiculed the Congress for stifling dissent within its own ranks.
"There is no democracy in the Congress. If you speak the truth, you are asked to quit," remarked senior BJP leader CT Ravi.
Karnataka Opposition Leader R. Ashoka stated, "Minister Rajanna has been relieved just for speaking the truth. This is a warning for the 'October revolution' looming in store in the Congress party in Karnataka," referring to Rajanna's previous statement regarding an internal revolution.
Ashoka also pointed out Rajanna's association with the Scheduled Tribe Valmiki community and charged Congress with betrayal of the entire community.
Read also| Watch| Poll Panel Targets Rahul Gandhi in Voter Fraud Row: "New Wine, Old Bottle"
Read also| Rahul Gandhi and INDIA Bloc MPs Detained by Delhi Police During Protest March to ECI
