Bengaluru: In a sudden political development, Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna resigned from the Karnataka Cabinet on Monday, following backlash over his public criticism of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s recent “vote theft” allegations. Party sources indicated that the Congress high command, displeased with Rajanna’s remarks, directed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to remove him from the ministry.
Initially, Rajanna denied stepping down, saying he would clarify matters with the CM. However, during the Assembly session, Siddaramaiah held a private meeting with him and reportedly gave an ultimatum—resign voluntarily or face dismissal. Rajanna then submitted his resignation, which was immediately accepted by Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot.
The Controversy:
Rajanna’s comments were made on August 10 in Tumakuru, where he questioned Gandhi’s allegations, pointing out that the voter list in question was prepared during a Congress regime. While acknowledging BJP’s malpractices, he suggested that Congress leaders had also ignored irregularities in the past, calling for greater vigilance in future elections.
Rahul Gandhi’s Allegations:
On Thursday, Gandhi alleged, based on data analysis of the Bangalore Central Lok Sabha constituency, that the Election Commission colluded with the BJP to manipulate the 2024 general election results—calling it a “crime against the Constitution.” He cited large-scale duplicate entries, fake addresses, and bulk voters, estimating “vote chori” of 1,00,250 votes in Mahadevapura alone, despite Congress winning six of the seven segments in the constituency.
Rajanna’s resignation has sparked fresh political debate in Karnataka, highlighting deepening rifts within the state Congress unit.