**Karnataka Minister Highlights Voter List Irregularities During Congress Rule**
Karnataka Cooperative Minister KN Rajanna has raised concerns about irregularities in the voter list that occurred during the Congress government’s tenure, stating that these issues unfolded “right in front of our eyes” without adequate oversight. His comments come in the wake of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s accusations of “vote chori” (vote theft) by the BJP in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
In a recent press conference, Rajanna pointed out that the voter list was compiled while Congress was in power, yet party leaders failed to voice their concerns during the draft stage. “These irregularities did happen. It is a shame for us that we did not monitor it,” he remarked. He provided specific examples, including a case in Mahadevapura where an individual managed to register in three different locations and vote multiple times. Additionally, he noted that some areas with only 10 to 15 residents had 60 names added to the voter list without proper identification details.
Rajanna accused the Election Commission of overstepping its bounds by altering the voter list, which he claims contributed to the rise of the current Prime Minister. He acknowledged that Congress did not raise objections in a timely manner, stating, “We had a responsibility, but we remained silent then and are speaking now.” He emphasized that the party has now been directed to stay vigilant regarding electoral processes.
His remarks have sparked internal dissent within the Congress party, particularly among supporters of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. Some party members have lodged complaints against Rajanna, alleging that his statements have embarrassed the party and provided ammunition to the opposition. They are calling for his suspension and expulsion from the party.
In response, BJP state president BY Vijayendra supported Rajanna’s comments, asserting that he was merely stating the truth and not targeting Congress. He criticized the party for blaming the Election Commission out of desperation following electoral losses and suggested that Rahul Gandhi should have submitted formal complaints instead of creating confusion.
This controversy arises amid Rahul Gandhi’s strong criticism of the Election Commission, accusing it of concealing significant misconduct by not releasing electronic voter lists and polling booth videos. He claims this lack of transparency has allowed the BJP to manipulate the electoral process in Karnataka and other states. Gandhi also mentioned that Congress’s internal surveys had predicted the party would win at least 16 seats in Karnataka, yet it only secured nine.
As the political landscape in Karnataka continues to evolve, the implications of these allegations and internal party conflicts may significantly impact the upcoming elections.
**FAQ**
**What are the allegations regarding the voter list in Karnataka?**
Karnataka Cooperative Minister KN Rajanna has alleged that irregularities in the voter list occurred during the Congress government’s tenure, with instances of individuals registering multiple times and improper additions to the list.
