Karnataka Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna was on Monday sacked after he publicly admitted that voter list irregularities took place during the Congress government’s tenure.
A close aide of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Rajanna, had questioned the party’s silence over alleged electoral roll manipulation, remarks that directly contradicted the Congress’s official stance.
The Congress high command instructed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to remove Rajanna from the cabinet after his comments sparked a political row, it was known. According to sources, Rajanna was sacked.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar strongly rebutted the claims, defending the party’s track record and accusing the opposition of exploiting Rajanna’s statement.
According to the details, Rajanna had said the irregularities took place “right in front of our eyes".
“It is a shame for us that we did not monitor it," he said while talking to reporters.
Earlier, Rajanna had vehemently insisted on the need for the creation of more deputy chief ministerial posts to weaken the position of Shivakumar.
He had also vouched for the candidature of a Dalit leader for the post of the chief minister if Siddaramaiah was replaced by any chance.
Later, he had said the high command had asked him not to create confusion regarding leadership change in the state by making remarks.
“No one should talk about the creation of more deputy chief ministerial posts and the change of the chief minister," he had said.
“The matter of change of leadership will be taken care of by the high command. The decision of the high command is binding on all," he added.
“Even I feel that there should be no confusion in these matters. Wherever the changes are required, the high command will make decisions. The decision of the high command is final," he said.
