Dropped Karnataka Minister KN Rajanna Confident of Cabinet Comeback, Hints at ‘Political Conspiracy

Bangalore Mail Staff Reporter

Bengaluru: Former Cooperation Minister and Madhugiri MLA K N Rajanna, who was recently dropped from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s cabinet, has expressed confidence that he will return as a minister during the tenure of the present Congress government in Karnataka.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Rajanna said losing his berth has not shaken his political resolve.

“I have achieved everything I wished for in life. This ministerial post too will come back to me in this term itself. Why do you have doubts?” he remarked.

Exit Linked to High Command’s Directive

Rajanna was removed from the cabinet earlier this week, reportedly on the instructions of the Congress high command in Delhi. His recent comments questioning the party’s handling of alleged voter list irregularities during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections are believed to have triggered his ouster.

During the polls, Rajanna had pointed out that the electoral rolls were prepared under Congress rule and questioned why alleged irregularities were not prevented, even as Rahul Gandhi alleged “vote theft” in Karnataka.

‘Ups and Downs Are Part of Politics’

Despite his removal, Rajanna said he holds no bitterness towards the party leadership.

“I am not upset. Such ups and downs are part of politics. I will go to Delhi after the Assembly session to meet the leadership and understand the real reason for my removal,” he told the media.

Without naming individuals, Rajanna hinted at “unseen forces” working against him. He revealed that even CM Siddaramaiah was not fully aware of the move until the last moment.

“How can such a decision come suddenly without forces working in the background? Even the Chief Minister wasn’t aware. He was speaking alone on the phone on his way to Vidhana Soudha about my removal. Later, he told me the high command had decided, and I accepted it,” Rajanna claimed.

‘I Too Know How to Finish Someone Politically’

The Madhugiri MLA suggested that senior leaders in Delhi might have systematically plotted his exit.

“It is not that I don’t know how to systematically finish someone politically. I too know that skill, but I prefer using my time for the welfare of people rather than waste it on such things,” he said.

When asked whether his outspoken remarks had cost him his position, Rajanna maintained that his words had been misinterpreted.

“Where have I spoken ill of anyone? I may have spoken the truth, but some people may have distorted my statements to the high command. That happens in politics. I will try to know the exact reason when I meet them,” he explained.

What Lies Ahead for Rajanna in Karnataka Politics?

With the Congress high command keeping a tight grip on the Karnataka cabinet reshuffle, political observers are watching closely whether Rajanna manages to stage a comeback or if his exit signals deeper factional rifts within the party.