Bengaluru: The dismissal of Cooperative Minister KN Rajanna from the Karnataka Cabinet sparked chaos in the Legislative Council on August 12, with the Opposition demanding a clear explanation from the government.
The uproar began as soon as the proceedings commenced, when Leader of the Opposition Chalavadi Narayanaswamy attempted to read a letter from the Governor’s Special Secretary confirming Rajanna’s removal. Ruling party whip Salim immediately objected, prompting Speaker Basavaraj Horatti to suggest deferring the discussion until after Question Hour. Narayanaswamy insisted the matter was urgent, questioning the circumstances of Rajanna’s ouster. BJP leaders CT Ravi and Ravikumar, among others, rallied behind him.
The ruling party leaders, in a sarcastic tone, questioned since when the Opposition had started showing affection for Rajanna. As the commotion intensified, the Speaker adjourned the House for 10 minutes.
When the session resumed, Narayanaswamy again raised the issue, pressing for clarity. “Why was Rajanna dismissed? Was it corruption? Was it because he spoke against senior Congress leaders like Randeep Singh Surjewala or D.K. Shivakumar? Was it over his remarks on vote rigging or the proposal for five Deputy Chief Ministers? Is this punishment for telling the truth?” he demanded.
Responding, Leader of the House and Minister Bosaraj said, “In a democracy, it is the Chief Minister’s prerogative to appoint or remove ministers. There is no compulsion to explain the reasons.” Dissatisfied, the Opposition continued their protest, forcing another adjournment.
State BJP President Vijayendra asks reason for dismissal
Outside the House, BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra told reporters that the people of Karnataka deserved to know the truth. “What grave mistake did Rajanna commit? His dismissal is not merely an internal Congress matter it concerns the people. Is this how Congress treats leaders from the Scheduled Castes?” he asked. He accused Congress of hypocrisy, recalling Rahul Gandhi’s recent remarks on democracy and the Constitution, and said removing Rajanna for “speaking the truth” was unacceptable.
Vijayendra also said the BJP would raise the issue in both Houses and demanded the Chief Minister disclose the exact reason behind Rajanna’s removal. He noted Rajanna’s statement that he would reveal the “conspiracy” at the right time, and questioned if the Congress leadership had the courage to hear it.
Meanwhile, senior Congress leader and Home Minister G. Parameshwara, a colleague from Rajanna’s home district, distanced himself from the controversy. He said the decision was made by the party high command and respected by all. “Only the Chief Minister or KPCC President knows the full reason. Naturally, Rajanna is unhappy, but beyond that, none of us are aware of the details,” Parameshwara stated.
The episode has not only triggered political tensions inside the legislature but has also raised questions about internal democracy within the Congress party, treatment of Dalit leaders, and transparency in Cabinet decisions. As Rajanna remains tight-lipped for now, political observers believe his promised revelation could escalate the row further.
Rajanna supporters staged protest
Supporters and admirers of KN Rajanna staged a massive protest in Madhugiri town, Tumakuru district, on Tuesday, condemning his removal from the ministerial post. They called for a Madhugiri Bandh to express outrage, drawing thousands of activists and residents to the streets.
The protest took a tense turn when a Rajanna supporter poured petrol on himself and staged a protest but the people standing near by rescued him before tragedy struck.
The president, vice-president, and members of Madhugiri town Municipality’s Ward No. 22 announced plans for mass resignation. Girija Manjunath, member from Ward No. 10, has already tendered her resignation to the sub Divisional Officer. While Rajanna’s supporters intensify street protests, the BJP has seized on his dismissal as political ammunition.
Before the Question Hour began in the Assembly session, Opposition Leader R. Ashok demanded the government explain the sudden sacking. Speaker U.T. Khader’s remark that it was an “internal party matter” drew strong objections from BJP members.
R. Ashok alleged that Rajanna was punished for “telling the truth” about vote theft, questioning whether the government had victimized a Dalit leader for his candour.
