BENGALURU: Former cooperation minister KN Rajanna has sought an appointment with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to explain to him about his controversial remarks on “vote chori” that led to his removal from the state cabinet in August.
In his November 17 letter to Rahul Gandhi, Rajanna stated that his comments on “vote chori” were misunderstood and wrongly presented o the party leadership.
Stating that the Congress faces a serious challenge because of the statements by various factions within the party over the issue of leadership change in the state, Rajanna claimed that his statements on “vote chori” were distorted and taken out of context. This resulted in the action against him.
He said that he would like to be given an opportunity to make his stand clear and place the truth before the party’s central leadership.
Rajanna, a leader from the ST community representing Madhugiri in the legislative Assembly and a close associate of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, also referred to organisational shortcomings within the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC).
Stating that booth-level agents appointed by the party failed to perform their duties effectively, he said timely intervention by KPCC president DK Shivakumar and other leaders could have avoided the controversy.
Reiterating his loyalty to the party and the Nehru-Gandhi family, Rajanna said he wants to place the “true facts” before Rahul Gandhi. He said that he had sent his recorded statements on “vote chori” to Rahul Gandhi along with his letter. A translation of his statements had also been sent.
Rajanna said had the party paid heed to his suggestions, it would have won more seats in the Lok Sabha elections.
The letter has gone viral on social media and triggered a fresh debate in the state with speculation over Rajanna’s possible return to the cabinet. His removal had sparked protests by his supporters and leaders from the ST Valmiki Nayaka community across the state.