Bengaluru: Former Karnataka Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna has broken his silence following his removal from the state Cabinet, claiming a "huge conspiracy" was behind the decision. His exit comes in the wake of a controversy over remarks he made concerning voter fraud, which appeared to contradict the Congress party's official position.

Rajanna, addressing the media after the Karnataka government formally notified his removal, claimed that his statement on "vote theft" was misunderstood.

"There is a big conspiracy and plot behind this. I know exactly who all are behind this conspiracy and what all has happened. My statement was misunderstood. I will make efforts to clear that misunderstanding," Rajanna said.

The Congress leader confirmed that the decision to remove him was made by the party's high command.

"There is information that the draft has been dismissed from the Governor's office. This is the High Command's decision -- it is the party's decision," he stated.

Despite his removal, Rajanna insisted he remained loyal to the party and planned to seek an audience with senior leader Rahul Gandhi to explain his position.

"I will try to clear the misconception that has arisen. I will personally go to Delhi and try to convince Rahul Gandhi. The wrong message should not be sent," he said.

Emphasising his commitment to the Congress, Rajanna added, "No matter what we say or where we speak, we are committed to this party. Rahul Gandhi is our leader. All the details will be revealed by me in the coming days."

He also denied any discord with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. "I have no displeasure towards CM Siddaramaiah. I am committed to the High Command's decision."

Rajanna expressed gratitude for his tenure as Minister for Cooperation. "I was given the opportunity to serve as a minister by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. I have expressed my gratitude to all the ministers and the Chief Minister."

Official resignation

The official notification of Rajanna’s removal was signed by Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot and sent by Special Secretary to the Governor, R. Prabushankar, on 11 August. It was addressed to the Chief Secretary, Smt. Shalini Rajneesh, IAS.

The letter read: "I am directed to forward herewith the original notification signed by the Hon'ble Governor for the removal of Sri K.N. Rajanna, Hon'ble Minister for Co-operation, from the Council of Ministers with immediate effect, for further necessary action."

Rajanna’s controversial remarks, made last Saturday in Tumkur, sparked the political firestorm. Questioning the Congress party’s handling of voter list irregularities, Rajanna said:

"Look, if we just start talking about such things casually, there will be different opinions. When was the voter list prepared? It was prepared when our own government was in power. At that time, was everyone just sitting quietly with their eyes closed? These irregularities did take place -- that's the truth. There is nothing false in this."

He further admitted: "These irregularities happened right in front of our eyes -- we should feel ashamed. We didn't take care of it at the time. That's why we must be alert in the future."

Detailing one such case, he added, "In Mahadevapura, there was indeed fraud. One person was registered in three different places and voted in all three. But when the draft electoral rolls are being prepared, we have to monitor it, right? When the draft electoral rolls are made, we must file objections -- that is our responsibility. At that time, we kept quiet and now we are talking."