Karnataka Congress faces internal rift over MLC poll defeat and sting row
MLA KN Rajanna called for the resignation of 26 party MLAs following the loss of all four seats in recent Legislative Council elections.
A trust deficit has emerged within the governing Congress party in Karnataka following the recent Legislative Council (MLC) polls, according to the Deccan Herald. Madhugiri MLA KN Rajanna stated on Tuesday that 26 party MLAs should resign due to moral responsibility for the defeat.
Rajanna, a loyalist of former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, suggested that a recent 'sting operation' controversy may have influenced the election results. He noted that voters in the teachers and graduates categories might have expressed anger through their ballots.
The Madhugiri MLA cited the Karnataka South-East Graduates Constituency, which includes 35 Assembly constituencies, 26 of which are held by Congress. Rajanna said all 26 MLAs, including himself, should resign because they could not ensure a party victory.
Municipalities Minister HC Balakrishna, who is identified with Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's camp, responded by accusing Rajanna and his son, MLC Rajendra, of 'anti-party' activities. Balakrishna questioned if they conducted the election with honesty and suggested they were deceiving the party.
Balakrishna stated that if Rajanna wants to leave the party, he should do so. He added that he would write to Karnataka Congress president BK Hariprasad to seek action against the Madhugiri MLA.
There is also speculation within the Congress that Rajanna is approaching the JD(S), as Rajendra has reportedly held meetings with top leaders of that party.