Are BJP Entry Rumors Fueling Tensions Between K'taka Dy CM and Rajanna's Supporters?

Bengaluru, Sep 3 (NationPress) Supporter of Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, H.C. Balakrishna, has once again emphasized his previous claim that the dismissed minister, K.N. Rajanna, is looking to switch allegiance to the BJP.

K.N. Rajanna, a close ally of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has found himself at the center of accusations exchanged between the supporters of both the CM and the Dy CM regarding potential defections to the BJP.

Senior Congress MLA H.C. Balakrishna, a dedicated advocate for Dy CM Shivakumar, who had previously asserted that Rajanna is poised to join the BJP, expressed his willingness to undergo a brain mapping test to validate his claims.

“We must adhere to the directives of the high command. It disheartens us when there are discussions of conspiracy and threats to take individuals to Delhi as a means of coercion,” MLA Balakrishna directed his remarks at Rajanna.

“As for the RSS anthem, the matter was resolved after Dy CM Shivakumar issued an apology. It is well-known that Shivakumar sang the RSS anthem merely to mock the BJP. If this is to be continuously brought up, that becomes a separate issue,” he continued.

“Did either Dy CM Shivakumar or anyone else mention a September revolution in the Congress party? It was Rajanna who made that claim. If someone believes they know everything, that is their dilemma. There is no September or any revolution in the party. If you have the support of CM Siddaramaiah, can you really speak against anyone?” Balakrishna questioned.

“Has anyone in the Congress party dared to challenge the high command? You mock Rahul Gandhi, criticize Randeep Singh Surjewala and K.C. Venugopal, and trivialize the campaigns organized by the high command. Why should you speak like BJP leaders?” Balakrishna challenged Rajanna.

He added that Rajanna is merely using CM Siddaramaiah’s name for protection. “We are also supporters of CM Siddaramaiah,” he asserted.

While addressing a crowd in Madhugiri town on Wednesday, Rajanna clarified that he has no intentions of joining the BJP.

“Why would I join the BJP? I am capable of winning elections under any party's banner. I could even win as an independent candidate. The public has empowered me to secure victories in state elections. My future is secure as long as CM Siddaramaiah remains in power. I will disregard these rumors. I endorse the 'vote theft' campaign initiated by Rahul Gandhi,” Rajanna stated.

In response, Dy CM Shivakumar’s brother and former MP, D.K. Suresh, remarked in Bengaluru, “Rajanna will receive clarification from the CM and high command concerning the alleged conspiracy surrounding his dismissal. We do not engage in conspiracies. We lack the kind of knowledge or backing that he claims. Our focus is solely on working diligently under the banner of the Congress party.”

Meanwhile, H.D. Ranganath, Congress MLA and a staunch ally of Dy CM Shivakumar, affirmed that every party member desires Shivakumar to ascend to the role of Chief Minister.

“There is no one like Dy CM Shivakumar in India regarding loyalty to the party. Despite facing immense hardships from the BJP, Shivakumar has never abandoned the Congress. The aspirations of party workers for him to become CM hold significance, and I share that desire,” he expressed.

Amidst these developments, Rajendra Rajanna, Congress MLC and son of Rajanna, met CM Siddaramaiah at his residence in Bengaluru to update him on the situation. Sources indicate he urged the CM to prevent Dy CM Shivakumar’s faction from making statements against Rajanna.