Is Sacked Minister Rajanna Really in Touch with BJP?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka MLA H.C. Balakrishna alleges Rajanna is in contact with the BJP.
- Rajanna's supporters are planning a large protest in Delhi.
- This situation underscores potential rifts within the Congress party.
- Rajanna claims his dismissal was due to multiple factors, not just one statement.
- The political landscape in Karnataka may be shifting as allegiances are questioned.
Bengaluru, Sep 2 (NationPress) Karnataka MLA H.C. Balakrishna, a close ally of Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress President D.K. Shivakumar, has alleged that the dismissed Minister K.N. Rajanna is in communication with the BJP.
This revelation comes as Rajanna's supporters are gearing up to organize a protest in Delhi to highlight his dismissal and attract the attention of the Congress leadership.
Rajanna is a devoted supporter of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and MLA H.C. Balakrishna is known to be a close confidant of Deputy CM and state Congress President D.K. Shivakumar.
During a press briefing in Ramanagara city on Tuesday, Balakrishna stated, “Rajanna has already distanced himself from the party. If he were to undergo brain mapping, the reality would be unveiled. It would reveal who he is conversing with. BJP officials are welcoming Rajanna, and this is absolutely true. He has already begun discussions.”
“Rajanna remains in the Congress party solely because we hold power. Otherwise, he would have departed long ago. He has indeed taken a step outside the party -- that is the reality,” he reiterated.
Balakrishna also mentioned, “Rajanna is in contact with various leaders, and he himself admitted that he does not require the backing of any political party. Just wait a little while, everything will be revealed.”
Rejecting claims of a conspiracy behind Rajanna’s departure, he asserted, “No one conspired against him. Everyone was aware of his conduct and the statements he made while serving as a minister. He was removed due to his irresponsible remarks, not because of anyone’s meddling. What he is attempting to do now is to join another party. He has already applied to the BJP and is currently trying to shift the blame onto us and our leader.”
“There is no scheme by our leader (Dy CM Shivakumar) in this matter. The high command intervened after Rajanna openly criticized them, which is why he was dismissed. To justify his exit from the party, he is now alleging a conspiracy,” Balakrishna emphasized.
“Let them organize a convention in Delhi supporting Rajanna. We cannot hinder it,” he added.
Meanwhile, Rajanna’s supporters are making arrangements for a rally in Delhi, demanding his reinstatement in the cabinet. Plans are underway to mobilize around 10,000 attendees to Jantar Mantar, with sources indicating that train reservations have been confirmed. Leaders from the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community are also expected to participate, with intentions of staging a hunger strike in Delhi.
This situation is likely to exacerbate internal conflicts within the state Congress unit.
Rajanna has maintained that his dismissal was not solely due to his remarks against the high command regarding voter fraud. “My comments about establishing three Deputy Chief Minister positions in the state and comments regarding the honey trap case also contributed to my dismissal,” he remarked, indirectly targeting Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar.
“The truth will eventually surface. Some individuals believe they can say anything and evade consequences. Power, once taken away, can always return,” Rajanna concluded.