The sequence began with a morning call from the All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary KC Venugopal to CM Siddaramaiah, News18 reported citing sources.
Citing the embarrassment caused by the “Rajanna episode,” Venugopal reportedly urged the CM to remove the minister from his cabinet immediately.
Siddaramaiah initially suggested accepting Rajanna’s resignation after ten days, taking into account the ongoing assembly session. However, Venugopal advised him to speak directly with Rahul Gandhi for the final word.
Gandhi’s clear messageÂ
The conversation between Siddaramaiah and Rahul Gandhi was described as brief and unequivocal. Gandhi told the CM, “I am not talking about his resignation, sack him,” as per a senior Congress member, reported News18.
The directive was firm and did not leave any room for negotiation, and reflected the party leadership’s stance over repeated instances of members’ conduct.
Read more: Karnataka cooperation minister KN Rajanna steps down, governor accepts resignation
Swift implementation by SiddaramaiahÂ
Following the exchange, the Karnataka CM’s office moved quickly. By around 1 pm, Rajanna was informed of the decision. Soon after, the CM wrote to the Governor, recommending Rajanna’s removal from the council of ministers, thereby formalising the dismissal.
Party insiders told News18 that this was not the first time Rajanna had defied party instructions, and his latest actions prompted the high command to act decisively.
Message on image of CongressÂ
Political observers note that the incident underscores the Congress leadership’s determination to safeguard the party’s image.
The swift dismissal is being viewed as a clear signal that indiscipline will not be tolerated, regardless of an individual’s position.
What had Rajanna said?Â
Rajanna allegedly blamed his own party in Karnataka over “vote theft” in the Mahadevapura Assembly segment, as per news agency PTI.
Rajanna had said that the irregularities took place “right in front of our eyes”. “It is a shame for us that we did not monitor it,” he told reporters, as per News18.
Congress member and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi recently held a press conference in Delhi where he provided proof and evidence of vote theft by the Election Commission for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during various state assembly elections and 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Rajanna’s comments contradicted the party’s stance and led for his removal.
What did Rajanna say after removal?Â
Rajanna said that the decision of his removal was taken by the Congress High Command and has a conspiracy behind it. However, he also said that he would not question the party leadership’s decision.
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“I am speaking to you as a former minister. But there is a huge conspiracy behind my dismissal, I know who is behind this conspiracy and what they have done. I am happy to be called a former minister. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had given me the opportunity. On this occasion, I thanked the Chief Minister along with all the other ministers,” he said, reported news agency ANI.
“I will share the details of this conspiracy in the coming days. There is information that the draft has been dismissed from the Governor’s office. This is a high command decision. I am committed to the decision taken by the party. I will try to clear the misconception that has arisen. I will personally go to Delhi and try to convince Rahul Gandhi. The wrong message should not be sent. We are committed to the party. Rahul Gandhi is our leader,” he added.
