Karnataka Minister KN Rajanna resigned from the state cabinet after the Congress high command moved to dismiss him over controversial remarks alleging voter list fraud during the party’s own tenure.
Rajanna’s statement—admitting that voter list revisions occurred “right in front of our eyes” and were poorly monitored—sparked outrage among senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge. The timing of his comments coincided with Gandhi’s nationwide campaign accusing the Election Commission of shielding BJP-led electoral malpractice.
Initially defiant, Rajanna refused to step down, stating he would consult Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. However, under pressure from the party’s top brass, he eventually resigned, and his exit was swiftly accepted and forwarded to the Governor.
The BJP seized the moment, with state president B.Y. Vijayendra calling Rajanna’s remarks “truthful” and accusing Congress of orchestrating his removal to suppress internal accountability. BJP leaders also criticised Rahul Gandhi’s protest tactics, labelling them “political theatrics.”
In the Assembly, BJP members demanded Rajanna clarify his position publicly, while Congress leaders urged restraint, stating the Chief Minister would address the issue formally.
This episode adds fuel to the ongoing political firestorm surrounding voter list integrity, party accountability, and the role of the Election Commission in safeguarding democratic processes.
