Minister K N Rajanna resigns after controversy over ‘vote theft’ remarks

Bengaluru

Karnataka Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna on Monday tendered his resignation following a political storm triggered by his public criticism of the Congress party’s handling of alleged voter list irregularities.

The decision came after the Congress high command reportedly sought his exit, a day after Rajanna questioned party leader Rahul Gandhi’s recent “vote chori” (vote theft) allegations against the BJP in connection with the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Speaking to reporters over the weekend, Rajanna admitted that instances of duplicate and fraudulent voter entries had occurred “right in front of our eyes” even when the Congress was in power in the state. He cited examples from Mahadevapura constituency, where names allegedly appeared multiple times on the rolls, and in areas with very few genuine residents.

His remarks provided political ammunition to the BJP, which seized on his statements to challenge the Congress’s credibility on electoral reforms. Within the party, several leaders accused Rajanna of undermining Rahul Gandhi’s narrative and damaging organisational unity ahead of crucial local polls.

By Monday afternoon, Rajanna submitted his resignation to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. “I have only spoken the truth. If that is a crime, I accept the consequences,” he told the media.

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