Amid the leadership dispute in the Karnataka Congress, former minister and MLA K.N. Rajanna has written to Rahul Gandhi, the Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition, seeking to explain his recent statement on alleged “vote fraud.” Rajanna, a close associate of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has requested a chance to clarify his remarks that led to his removal from the state Cabinet. He has also asked for a meeting with Rahul Gandhi to discuss the matter.
In his letter, Rajanna has expressed his desire for action against those who he claims misrepresented his words to the party leadership, resulting in his removal from the Cabinet. Rajanna had openly challenged Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and advocated for more Deputy Chief Minister positions. He had also called for Shivakumar’s replacement as the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president.
Rajanna, who was dropped from the Cabinet, has been sending letters regularly to the party’s national leadership. In his latest communication to Rahul Gandhi, he clarified his statement by referencing the questions posed by the media and his responses. Rajanna emphasized in the letter that he had provided the truth behind his statement and explained how it was allegedly distorted.
Referring to the recent Lok Sabha elections, Rajanna claimed that effective Booth Level Agents (BLAs) could have secured additional seats for the Congress in Karnataka and other states. He asserted that under such circumstances, Narendra Modi would not have become the Prime Minister. Rajanna highlighted his two-year tenure as a minister without facing corruption allegations and mentioned his contributions to the cooperative sector and reservations for marginalized groups.
Rajanna stressed his loyalty to the Congress leadership and praised Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for his work in empowering marginalized communities. He expressed his commitment to the Nehru family and the party’s cause. Rajanna’s letter aims to rectify the misrepresentation of his intentions and requests a detailed discussion with Rahul Gandhi.
Congress leaders had previously complained to Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala about Rajanna’s statements regarding election fraud. Rajanna was dismissed on August 11 after his comments contradicted Rahul Gandhi’s stance on voter fraud. Despite efforts by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to retain him, the high command instructed Siddaramaiah to forward the resignation to the Governor promptly.
The situation surrounding Rajanna’s removal is expected to spark a significant controversy in the state.
