Bengaluru, Dec 23 (NationPress) In the midst of the leadership conflict within the Karnataka Congress, former minister and MLA K.N. Rajanna has penned an extensive letter to Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, requesting a chance to clarify his recent comments regarding alleged “vote fraud” that contributed to his dismissal from the state Cabinet.

He has also requested a meeting with Rahul Gandhi.

Rajanna, closely allied with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has called for action against those whom he claims misrepresented his statements to the party leadership, which led to his abrupt removal from the Cabinet.

Recall that Rajanna had openly challenged Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and called for the establishment of additional Deputy Chief Minister positions. He also suggested Shivakumar's replacement as the president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC).

In his letter, Rajanna mentioned, "The purpose of writing this letter is to present the truth of my statement and to humbly request that action be taken against those who have misrepresented my words and wrongly brought the matter to your attention. I kindly request an appointment at your convenience to personally meet and discuss these matters in detail."

Sources indicate that Rajanna, who was removed from the Cabinet, has been consistently sending letters to the party's national leadership. His latest communication to Rahul Gandhi includes clarifications regarding his statements, referencing both the media questions and his responses. The letter is a comprehensive eight pages long.

In the correspondence, Rajanna outlined the truth behind his statement and explained how it was allegedly misrepresented. He also expressed his appreciation for CM Siddaramaiah in the letter.

He urged the Congress leadership to take action against those who provided false information about him and misled the party's high command. Additionally, he expressed a desire for a one-on-one discussion and requested permission to travel to Delhi for direct talks.

Referring to the recent Lok Sabha elections, Rajanna stated that had the Booth Level Agents (BLAs) operated effectively, the Congress could have secured an additional eight to ten seats in Karnataka and another 30 to 40 seats across other states. He further claimed that under such circumstances, Narendra Modi would not have ascended to the position of Prime Minister.

Rajanna asserted his integrity, noting that he served as a minister for two years without any corruption allegations. He highlighted his contributions, including the introduction of reservations in the cooperative sector and ensuring reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women, benefiting approximately one lakh workers statewide.

As the party in-charge for Hassan district, he worked diligently to secure victory for the party in the Old Mysuru region.

Reiterating his loyalty to the Congress leadership, Rajanna expressed his commitment to the Nehru family. He noted that under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who he described as an AHINDA leader, the Congress achieved power in both 2013 and 2023, and that the Chief Minister continues to advocate for the welfare of SCs, STs, OBCs, minorities, and the economically disadvantaged.

He emphasized that the objective of his letter was to ensure accountability for those who misrepresented his intentions and to seek a chance to discuss the matter comprehensively with Rahul Gandhi.

Praising CM Siddaramaiah, he stated, "Under the leadership of Ahinda leader Sri Siddaramaiah ji, the Congress Party came to power in Karnataka in both 2013 and 2023. Siddaramaiah ji has worked tirelessly to provide justice to the poor and marginalized across all communities - SC, ST, OBC, minorities, and other weaker sections."

Previously, Congress leaders submitted a complaint to the Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala regarding Minister Rajanna's comments about the party concerning election fraud.

Rajanna was dismissed on August 11, following remarks that contradicted Rahul Gandhi's position on voter fraud. Despite Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's efforts to retain him, the high command instructed the CM to promptly submit the resignation to the Governor.

Rajanna remarked that issues of voter fraud occurred during Congress's rule in Karnataka, and this matter should have been addressed much earlier.

This development is poised to ignite significant controversy within the state.