Valmiki community protests KN Rajanna’s ouster; PWD minister Jarkiholi supports Rajanna

The removal of KN Rajanna from the Karnataka cabinet has triggered protests by the Valmiki community in Tumakuru. PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi and community leaders backed Rajanna, alleging conspiracy, and demanded his reinstatement or another Valmiki leader’s inclusion in the cabinet

Bengaluru: The removal of KN Rajanna from the Karnataka cabinet has sparked outrage among the Valmiki community, triggering massive protests in Tumakuru on Wednesday and drawing criticism from several political leaders.

In Tumakuru, hundreds of Rajanna’s supporters took to the streets holding his photographs and “We Stand With KNR” placards, raising slogans against the state government. The protesters marched from the Town Hall to the Deputy Commissioner’s office, demanding that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reinstate Rajanna in the cabinet. A memorandum to this effect was submitted through the district administration.

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Meanwhile, in Bengaluru, state PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi and other leaders met Rajanna to express solidarity. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Jarkiholi said, “When someone loses power, people tend to distance themselves. But we want to send a message that we stand firmly with Rajanna. There is a misunderstanding in Delhi, and we will clear it.”

Rajanna, who served as minister for two years, hinted there might be a conspiracy behind his removal. “Only two ministers from the Valmiki community were in the cabinet, and both have been dropped. The vacant ministerial post should go to our community. Whether I am reinstated is up to the high command, but a tiger always roars,” he remarked.

Jarkiholi confirmed that a delegation would soon visit Delhi to meet the party high command, pressing for either Rajanna’s return or the inclusion of another Valmiki leader in the cabinet.

Adding to the criticism, Prasannananda Swamiji of the Rajanahalli Guru Peetha condemned Rajanna’s removal, alleging that it was orchestrated through a political conspiracy.

The controversy has placed the state government in a politically uncomfortable position, facing simultaneous pressure from Rajanna’s supporters, community leaders, and opposition voices. The move is also expected to test the Congress party’s caste and community balancing strategy ahead of upcoming political challenges.