Karnataka’s political landscape is turbulent as KN Rajanna was dismissed from his ministerial post, triggering widespread protests, including a self-immolation attempt. The removal followed Rajanna’s public criticism of Rahul Gandhi’s vote theft allegations, creating a rift within the Congress party.

BENGALURU: Thousands of supporters of former Karnataka cooperation minister KN Rajanna took to the streets in Tumakuru on Tuesday, protesting his removal from the cabinet. The protest turned dramatic when one supporter attempted self-immolation. Rajanna was removed from the ministry by chief minister Siddaramaiah on Monday afternoon, following a directive from the Congress high command. The decision came two days after Rajanna publicly criticised Rahul Gandhi’s allegations of vote theft, sparking controversy within the party. Sources said Rajanna, a staunch Siddaramaiah loyalist, had offered to resign and had even visited the chief minister’s office earlier in the day. However, the party high command insisted on a formal dismissal, leading Siddaramaiah to recommend his removal to the governor, who accepted it.

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar reportedly raised concerns over Rajanna’s statements with the Congress leadership. Subsequently, AICC general secretary KC Venugopal, acting on instructions from Rahul Gandhi and AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge, wrote to Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, urging disciplinary action. CMO sources revealed that Siddaramaiah initially sought to delay Rajanna’s removal until the Karnataka Assembly’s monsoon session, but the high command pressed for immediate action. The controversy ignited after Rajanna publicly questioned Rahul Gandhi’s claims against the Election Commission and the BJP-led central government regarding electoral roll irregularities in the Mahadevapura segment of Bangalore Central Lok Sabha constituency. Rajanna said, “One should remember voter lists were revised when our own government was at the helm. Why did our party turn a blind eye then? It is true there are irregularities, but it is insulting to us that it happened right under our nose.” He added, “Objections to the draft electoral rolls were invited soon after they were prepared. What were we doing then? Shouldn’t we have checked the draft electoral rolls after they were published? We should’ve filed objections. Having been quiet then, we’re raising this now.” The controversy spilled into the assembly on Monday afternoon, with BJP MLA R Ashoka commenting, “Rajanna represents ST (Valmiki). Congress has made him the scapegoat like it sacrificed another ST minister B Nagendra.” With Rajanna’s ouster sending ripples through the Congress, party sources indicated that he may face expulsion as a stern message to dissenters.