Supporters of former Karnataka Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna staged a protest at Town Hall Circle in Tumkuru on Wednesday, condemning his removal from the state Cabinet. Protesters carried banners bearing Rajanna’s portrait and raised slogans in his support, prompting the deployment of police across the city as a precautionary measure.
Rajanna’s exit from the Cabinet has sparked political controversy, with Union Minister Prahlad Joshi accusing the Congress leadership of punishing him for “speaking the truth.” Joshi alleged that while Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had instructed Rajanna to resign, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi pushed for his outright dismissal. “He is a 72-year-old ST leader. Removing him is a grave insult to democratic institutions and to the community he represents,” Joshi said.
Addressing the media, Rajanna claimed there was a “huge conspiracy” behind his dismissal, which followed his controversial remarks on alleged voter fraud. He insisted his comments were misunderstood, explaining that irregularities in voter lists occurred when the Congress government itself was in power.
“When the voter list was prepared, our own government was in place. Was everyone sitting quietly with their eyes closed? These irregularities did take place — that’s the truth,” Rajanna said, defending his earlier statements.
His removal comes amid heightened tensions within the Congress party in Karnataka, as the opposition capitalises on the row over his remarks.
