Is Infighting in the Karnataka Congress Inevitable? Sacked Minister’s Son Takes Aim at Shivakumar

Bengaluru, Sep 3 (NationPress) In response to remarks from Deputy CM and Karnataka Congress President D.K. Shivakumar's faction regarding the sacking of minister K.N. Rajanna, Congress MLC Rajendra Rajanna sarcastically suggested that if the position of Chief Minister were to be proposed, those making such claims would likely defect to the BJP.

“Including Dy CM Shivakumar, several individuals have already distanced themselves from the party,” he remarked.

While addressing the media on Tuesday, MLC Rajendra criticized comments made by MLA H.C. Balakrishna, a close ally of Dy CM Shivakumar, asserting that those levying accusations might themselves consider leaving the party. He further accused MLA Balakrishna, who previously affiliated with the BJP and JD(S) before joining Congress, of having “dismantled” those parties.

When questioned about the possibility of Shivakumar leaving the Congress, Rajendra affirmed that “yes, it is true.”

Continuing his critique of Dy CM Shivakumar, MLC Rajendra emphasized that his father Rajanna had never shown allegiance to the RSS by singing its anthem or wearing its uniform, unlike other party leaders.

In the aftermath of Rajanna's dismissal from the cabinet, peaceful protests have erupted statewide, calling for his reinstatement.

Religious leaders have voiced their support, claiming that Rajanna has faced injustice, and have committed to speaking with the high command about his return. “This has unsettled them,” he remarked, indirectly addressing Shivakumar.

“These actions were taken solely because my father Rajanna supported Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Even a decade later, we will continue our backing for CM Siddaramaiah. Hidden forces were behind my father’s ousting. Some individuals, lacking true responsibilities, find satisfaction in making such remarks. Those asserting that my father would leave the party may soon be the ones preparing to exit,” he stated.

“My father and I will stay loyal to the party, irrespective of our positions. Power is not everlasting,” MLC Rajendra asserted.

In reply to these comments, MLA Balakrishna challenged former minister Rajanna to swear before Lord Manjunatha of Dharmasthala if he was sincere about his future intentions.

He insisted that the media should also inquire about Rajendra’s position if denied power. “Rajanna has already engaged in discussions with the BJP. They have invited him to join them after tarnishing Congress’s image and placing blame on the leadership,” Balakrishna asserted.

Regarding rumors of Rajanna joining the BJP, Dy CM Shivakumar stated, “Anyone can make statements, but I will refrain from political commentary.”

Earlier on the same day, while supporters were gearing up for a protest in Delhi against Minister K.N. Rajanna’s dismissal, Congress MLA H.C. Balakrishna, a staunch advocate of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, tried to capture the attention of the Congress high command by claiming that Rajanna was already in communication with the BJP.

Speaking to reporters in Ramanagara city, Balakrishna stated, “Rajanna has already stepped outside the party. If he underwent brain mapping, the truth would emerge. It will reveal who he is in contact with. BJP leaders are welcoming Rajanna. This is absolutely true. He has already initiated discussions.”

“Rajanna remains in the Congress party solely due to our current power. Otherwise, he would have departed long ago. He has already distanced himself from the party — that is the reality,” he reiterated.

This unfolding situation is set to ignite a significant controversy within the ruling Congress party, as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's faction is expected to respond strongly to Shivakumar's camp.