Congress Minister Ousted for Questioning ‘Vote Theft’ Claims

• Karnataka Cooperation Minister K.N. Rajanna has resigned following a statement he made that was critical of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s allegations against the Election Commission.
• Rajanna had publicly stated that the voter lists were prepared during the Congress’s rule, questioning why no one spoke up then.
• The statement reportedly angered Rahul Gandhi, and the Congress high command instructed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to secure Rajanna’s immediate resignation.

GG News Bureau
Bengaluru, 11th Aug: Karnataka’s Cooperation Minister, K.N. Rajanna, has submitted his resignation from the state cabinet after making a statement that went against the official party line and was critical of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The move comes as Congress and other political parties are protesting against the Election Commission over what Rahul Gandhi has termed “vote theft.”

The controversy began on Sunday when Rajanna publicly criticized Rahul Gandhi’s allegations. “One should not say such things… When was the voter list prepared? This voter list was prepared during the Congress rule. Why did no one speak up then? Why were our eyes closed?” Rajanna said, questioning the party’s narrative. He also added that while the BJP’s wrongdoings were undeniable, it was also a matter of introspection that these things happened “right in front of our eyes.”

According to sources, Rajanna’s comments immediately angered Rahul Gandhi, prompting the Congress high command to instruct Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to remove the minister from the cabinet without delay.

Rajanna, who is considered close to the Chief Minister, was initially hesitant to resign. However, after being given a deadline by CM Siddaramaiah and following a private meeting, he tendered his resignation. Although Rajanna had earlier told the media that he had not resigned and would speak to the Chief Minister to clarify his position, his resignation was accepted shortly thereafter.