**Congress High Command Removes Minister KN Rajanna Amid Controversy**
The Congress high command has decided to remove Minister KN Rajanna from the Karnataka cabinet due to his controversial remarks regarding voter list irregularities during the party’s governance. Sources indicate that Rajanna’s comments, which seemed to implicate his own party in the lapses, have provoked anger among senior leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, who are currently focused on contesting the results of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Rajanna, a close associate of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, openly acknowledged that the revisions to the voter list occurred “right in front of our eyes” during Congress’s rule but were not adequately supervised. He highlighted instances where an individual’s name appeared in multiple locations, allowing for potential multiple voting, and pointed out suspicious entries in sparsely populated areas. “It is a shame for us that we did not monitor it,” he stated, criticizing the party for its silence during the draft phase of the voter list preparation.
Further complicating the situation, Rajanna accused the Election Commission of misconduct, alleging that it “did what they should not have done” by modifying the voter list, which he claimed effectively aided the Prime Minister. He also admitted that Congress failed to raise timely objections and noted that the party has now been directed to remain vigilant.
The backlash within Congress has been significant, with party workers filing complaints with Congress in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, demanding Rajanna’s suspension and expulsion for allegedly embarrassing the party and providing an advantage to the opposition. Additionally, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s faction is reportedly displeased with Rajanna’s statements, revealing internal discord.
The BJP has seized this opportunity to criticize Congress, with state president BY Vijayendra labeling Rajanna’s comments as “the truth” and accusing the party of blaming the Election Commission out of desperation following electoral defeats. Vijayendra also took aim at Rahul Gandhi for creating “confusion” instead of formally addressing the issues.
In the Karnataka Assembly, BJP members called for clarification on Rajanna’s statements. Law Minister HK Patil urged the House to refrain from discussing media reports, asserting that any necessary information would come from the Chief Minister. However, BJP members insisted that Rajanna should clarify his position directly, stating, “He is in the house; he should make a statement.”
In response to the mounting pressure, KN Rajanna stated, “I will discuss with the Chief Minister. Until then, I won’t say anything. Why should I resign? How can everything be decided just because you say so? I will speak after meeting the Chief Minister.”
This controversy arises amidst Rahul Gandhi’s sharp accusations against the Election Commission, alleging that it concealed evidence of the BJP’s electoral manipulations by withholding electronic voter lists and polling booth videos.
**FAQ**
**What led to KN Rajanna’s removal from the Karnataka cabinet?**
KN Rajanna was removed due to his controversial comments about voter list irregularities during Congress’s governance, which angered senior party leaders and raised concerns about internal discord.
