Tumkur: The abrupt dismissal of Cooperation Minister and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s close confidant, KN Rajanna, from the Karnataka Cabinet on August 11 has triggered a political storm in the state, sparking outrage within the influential Valmiki community and raising the specter of a major rebellion within the ruling Congress.
The removal, perceived as unjust and politically motivated, has united 14 MLAs from the Valmiki community in a rare show of defiance, with a blunt warning to the Congress high command: reverse the decision or face a mass resignation that could topple the government.
Valmiki and Ahinda leaders rally in Tumkur
In an emergency press conference held in Tumkur on August 12, prominent Valmiki and Ahinda community leaders condemned the move as an affront to community pride and a calculated act to weaken their political representation. Former Mayor Krishnappa, flanked by senior leaders and activists, called for a massive protest in Tumkur to send a clear message to the Congress leadership.
“This is not just about one man. This is about the dignity of an entire community. If injustice is done to one of us, we will stand united and fight back. If the dismissal is not revoked immediately, 14 MLAs from our community will resign and teach this government a lesson,” Krishnappa warned.
According to sources, influential Swamijis and community leaders are already in closed-door meetings. A final decision is expected under the leadership of Minister Satish Jarkiholi, a known power center among backward classes in Karnataka.
The potential resignation of 14 legislators from reserved constituencies could shake the very foundations of the Congress government. “If we step down together, the numbers will no longer favor this government. We have already communicated this to all our MLAs,” said a senior leader.
The leaders stressed that this is not an empty threat coordination with Minister Satish Jarkiholi is already underway to mobilize every MLA from the Valmiki community, and solidarity is building among other backward class and minority leaders who see Rajanna’s removal as part of a broader pattern of sidelining non-dominant groups.
“All MLAs will abide by the decision taken by our Swamijis and Satish Jarkiholi. If that means resigning, so be it. We are prepared for a long and intense struggle,” Krishnappa added, warning that the political cost for Congress could be irreparable if the issue is not addressed promptly.
Rajanna hints at conspiracy
Meanwhile, Rajanna himself has broken his silence, hinting at a “big conspiracy” behind his abrupt removal. Speaking to reporters outside Kaveri, the Chief Minister’s residence, Rajanna maintained a tone of loyalty to the party but signaled that the truth would emerge at the right time.
“There is a conspiracy behind this, a big conspiracy. I will reveal everything when the time comes who did what and why,” he said. Rajanna confirmed that he will travel to Delhi with senior ministers and MLAs to meet the party high command and “clear misunderstandings” that may have influenced the decision.
“This is the party’s decision, and I respect it. But there appears to be a misunderstanding between Rahul Gandhi and K.C. Venugopal. We will work to correct that. Rahul Gandhi is our leader, and we remain loyal to the Congress,” Rajanna stated, expressing gratitude to CM Siddaramaiah and his Cabinet colleagues for their support during his tenure.
Political analysts warn that the Congress may have underestimated the fallout from this move. The Valmiki community, a significant voting bloc in several districts, views Rajanna’s removal as an insult to their political clout—especially when it comes just months ahead of crucial by-elections and with the Lok Sabha results still fresh in memory.
The timing has fueled suspicions that certain power lobbies within the party orchestrated Rajanna’s ouster to weaken both Siddaramaiah’s influence and the backward class representation in the Cabinet. The fact that Rajanna is known for openly articulating the demands of marginalized groups—and challenging internal favoritism—has only intensified speculation.
The Congress high command now faces a stark choice: either reverse its decision and reconcile with the Valmiki leadership, or risk triggering a revolt that could fracture its base in Karnataka.
If the warnings from Tumkur materialise, the fall of 14 MLAs would not just be a symbolic blow it could bring down the government altogether. Such a collapse would not only weaken the party in Karnataka but also embolden opposition forces nationally.
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