Bengaluru: The internal discord within the Karnataka Congress escalated on Tuesday as supporters of expelled minister KN Rajanna alleged that his removal from the Cabinet was orchestrated by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
Rajanna, who was recently expelled from the Cabinet, had sparked controversy earlier by openly questioning the Congress government’s handling of the “vote chori” allegations during its tenure. His remarks, coupled with renewed infighting among party members, have widened the fissures within the ruling party.
Rajanna’s son hints at “September revolution”
Rajendra, Congress MLC and son of KN Rajanna, warned of a political shift that could reshape state politics.
“Everyone has been talking about a September revolution, but they might all end up joining the BJP. Whoever is accusing Rajanna may also go to the BJP, and we shouldn’t be surprised by that. Even (BJP leader) Basanagouda Patil Yatnal has said they will bring 20–25 MLAs into the BJP. If that happens, then whatever Rajanna was talking about as the September revolution, this would be it,” Rajendra said.
He further added that some Congress leaders had “already stepped one foot outside the party,” suggesting that defections could follow.
Counter from Congress MLA HC Balakrishna
The remarks provoked a sharp response from HC Balakrishna, Congress MLA, who defended the leadership and criticised Rajanna’s past conduct.
“The entire world knows how he behaved when he was a minister, his conduct and his language. His words ruined him, there is no conspiracy in this. Now he has gone to another party. He has already applied to the BJP. So, they are trying to put the blame on us and our leaders. There is absolutely no conspiracy by our leaders in this,” Balakrishna asserted.
He stressed that the party high command had reviewed Rajanna’s statements before deciding on his expulsion, calling claims of conspiracy “an attempt to malign Congress.”
Shivakumar at the centre of the row
The conflict intensified after Rajanna took aim at Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar during the RSS anthem row.
“He can do whatever he wants. He can sing RSS songs, share the dais and sit with Amit Shah and Sadhguru. He said that if you go to Prayagraj and take a holy bath, the poor will be fed, and he goes there. Rahul Gandhi himself is hesitant to accept the marriage of Ambani’s son, but he goes to such a marriage with his family. All this is there, and people will decide on it,” Rajanna had remarked.
These comments added fuel to speculation of growing distrust between Rajanna and senior Congress leadership, with Shivakumar now accused by Rajanna’s camp of playing a role in sidelining him.
What lies ahead for Congress
The fresh exchange of words has raised concerns within the Congress about potential defections ahead of the upcoming political season. Analysts suggest that if BJP’s efforts to woo discontented leaders bear fruit, Congress may face instability in Karnataka.
For now, the party high command has maintained silence on the escalating feud, but the episode underscores the challenges Congress faces in balancing internal unity with governance responsibilities.
Conclusion
As Rajanna’s supporters continue to allege conspiracy and Congress leaders push back, the deepening rift poses a serious test for the ruling party in Karnataka. The coming weeks, particularly September, may determine whether these tensions remain contained or trigger a larger political realignment in the state.