Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna’s sudden removal from the Karnataka cabinet, officially presented as a resignation, masks a deeper storm of political intrigue, controversies, and high-stakes rivalries.
A veteran leader, 74-year-old Rajanna was a trusted aide of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, part of his core team, and a prominent ST community representative. His abrupt departure on the opening day of the legislature session raised eyebrows, with many linking it to a recent remark that backfired on the Congress.
A few days prior, Rajanna remarked that the contentious voter list in Mahadevapura — a focal point of Congress’ “vote theft” allegations against the BJP — had in fact been compiled when the Congress was in power.The comment undermined the party’s narrative, triggering outrage from the high command and embarrassment for Siddaramaiah.
Before Rajanna could formally resign, the Chief Minister’s Office had already recommended his removal to the Raj Bhavan, and the governor promptly approved his dismissal. It was a clear signal — this was no voluntary exit, but a decisive ouster.
This isn’t Rajanna’s first controversy. Earlier this year, he alleged an attempt to honeytrap him, sparking national headlines and forcing the party into damage control. Then, his long-standing ties with Siddaramaiah shielded him. This time, they didn’t.
His exit leaves just one ST minister in the cabinet — PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi. With B Nagendra having resigned last year over the Valmiki Corporation scandal, the ST community’s discontent, particularly in border districts with Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, is mounting. Rajanna wields influence in around 15 Assembly segments where Nayakas form 15–20% of the population — a crucial factor with zilla, taluk panchayat, and BBMP polls approaching.
Though many see this as the end of his ministerial career, insiders say Rajanna is already planning his comeback — and could reclaim a cabinet berth within a year.
