Karnataka Minister KN Rajanna resigns after ‘vote theft’ remarks, alleges conspiracy

Karnataka Minister for Co-operation KN Rajanna resigned from his post on Monday, days after criticising the Congress party over Rahul Gandhi’s ‘vote theft’ claim. His resignation was accepted by Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot.

However, Rajanna has alleged a conspiracy behind his dismissal from the Karnataka Cabinet.

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Speaking to reporters, he said, “There is a huge conspiracy behind my dismissal. I know who is behind this and what they have done.” He added that he would share details of the alleged conspiracy in the coming days.

Rajanna, considered close to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, claimed that his dismissal was a decision of the party high command. He said he would go to Delhi to meet Rahul Gandhi in an effort to clear the “misconception”.

“I will try to clear the misconception that has arisen. I will personally go to Delhi and convince Rahul Gandhi. The wrong message should not be sent. We are committed to the party. Rahul Gandhi is our leader,” he said.

The development comes days after Rajanna criticised the Congress party over Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s “vote theft” claim.

On August 7, Rahul Gandhi had alleged “vote theft” in Karnataka’s Bengaluru Central Lok Sabha seat during the 2024 General Elections.

According to him, there were over one lakh bogus voters in the Mahadevapura assembly segment of the Bengaluru Central constituency. The BJP won the seat despite trailing in all but the Mahadevapura segment.

However, Rajanna said these irregularities occurred during Congress rule in the state and questioned whether party leaders had been “sitting quietly with their eyes closed”.

“When was the voter list prepared? It was prepared when our own government was in power. At that time, was everyone just sitting quietly with their eyes closed? If we speak casually, we’ll have to say many things,” Rajanna had remarked.

He acknowledged that irregularities had indeed taken place, but stressed that they happened right in front of party leaders.

“…we should feel ashamed. We didn’t address it at the time. That’s why we must be alert in the future,” he said.

He further emphasised the importance of filing objections during the preparation of draft electoral rolls.

“When the draft rolls are made, we must file objections — that is our responsibility. At that time, we kept quiet, and now we are talking,” he added.