Ousted Karnataka minister Rajanna writes to Rahul Gandhi over 'vote chori' remark fallout, highlights organisational lapses

Former Karnataka minister K.N. Rajanna has reportedly written a letter to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, demanding action against those who "misrepresented" his comments on 'vote chori', leading to his removal from the Siddaramaiah cabinet. Rajanna's letter to the high command surfaces amid buzz over his recent meeting with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.

In his letter, reportedly sent to Gandhi last week, the Madhugiri legislator reportedly flagged organisational lapses within the party in Congress. A Siddaramaiah loyalist,  Rajanna said his comments on vote chori were misrepresented,  and his only motive was to "highlight organisational shortcomings that affected the party’s electoral performance."

Rajanna claimed the party could have won upto 10 seats additionally if organisational errors were corrected. The former minister alleged several booth agents failed to discharge their duties properly during the Lok Sabha elections. 

Recently, deputy chief minister met with Rajanna at his residence. Shivakumar said it was a courtesy call. The Congress leader said Rajanna was close to him as well.

He was sacked from the Cabinet after the Congress high command instructed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to remove him for his "vote theft" remarks that embarrassed the party and its leader, Rahul Gandhi.

Rajanna said Shivakumar came to meet him as the party president and discussed strengthening the party. "Shivakumar is our party president. He can come and meet me whenever he wants. He can summon anyone or he can meet anyone. He will do whatever is in the best interest of the party. There is no politics involved in it," PTI reported quoting the minister.