Karnataka Minister KN Rajanna Resigns After Admitting ‘Vote Theft’ Happened Under Congress Govt, Contradicting Rahul Gandhi

A political storm erupted within the Karnataka Congress on Monday, leading to the resignation of senior leader and Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna just hours after his candid comments on alleged electoral fraud contradicted the party’s official stance championed by Rahul Gandhi. Rajanna publicly acknowledged that the voter list discrepancies, which Gandhi has termed “vote theft,” occurred while the Congress itself was in power, a statement that drew sharp criticism from Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.

The controversy exploded after Rajanna, speaking to reporters, questioned his own party’s inaction on the matter. “When was the voter list prepared? It was during our government’s tenure. At that time, was everyone just sitting quietly with eyes closed?” he asked. In a stunning admission that undermined the party’s narrative, he added, “These irregularities did take place, that’s the truth. They happened right in front of our eyes and we should feel ashamed.

We didn’t act then, and we must be more alert in the future.” He stressed that it was the responsibility of party leaders to raise objections when draft electoral rolls are published, not to complain about it later.

Rajanna specifically conceded that electoral fraud had occurred in the Mahadevapura constituency, the very area Rahul Gandhi had highlighted in his press conference on August 7 as a prime example of “vote theft.” However, he pointedly questioned the timing of the outrage.

“When the draft rolls were made, it was our responsibility to object. Back then, we stayed quiet and now we are talking,” he stated, effectively placing the onus on his own party.

His resignation deals a significant blow to the Congress’s ongoing campaign against the Election Commission and the BJP over alleged electoral malpractices. The party has been leading protests, including a march in Delhi on Monday, accusing the poll body of colluding with the ruling party. Rajanna’s remarks provide potent ammunition to the BJP and the Election Commission, which has already asked Rahul Gandhi to provide proof for his allegations.