‘Vote Chori’ Row Erupts in Karnataka: Congress Infighting Deepens, Minister’s Criticism Met with DK Shivakumar Camp’s Fightback

Challenging this narrative, Rajanna said the party must also accept part of the blame. “We must not forget that these voter lists were revised when our own government was in power,” Rajanna told reporters. “Why did we remain silent back then? Yes, there were irregularities, but it is embarrassing for us that they occurred right under our watch.”

 

He reminded colleagues that the ECI had invited objections after publishing the draft rolls. “It was our duty to raise concerns at the right time—especially in places like Mahadevapura, where malpractices are rampant. Instead, we kept quiet when action was needed and are raising the issue only now,” Rajanna said. His comments infuriated members of Shivakumar’s camp, who accused Rajanna and other senior leaders of harming the party’s image. The rift comes amid an ongoing power tussle between supporters of Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar over the chief minister’s post.