Madhugiri shuts down, KN Rajanna’s supporters take out protest rally to demand reinduction in cabinet

TUMAKURU: A day after he was ousted from the Siddaramaiah cabinet, supporters of former minister K N Rajanna on Tuesday took out a protest march in Madhugiri town while three of them attempted suicide. They also called for a voluntary bandh in the town following which shops downed shutters.

One of the supporters attempted suicide by consuming poison near the MG Stadium and was immediately rushed to the government hospital in Madhugiri. He was identified as Ranganath, a resident of Sompura. Rajanna had helped his wife get a job at the DCC bank.

At Pavagada Circle, another supporter attempted suicide by affixing a noose around his neck. Two other fans tried to immolate themselves, both were rescued and rushed to hospital by the police and others.

The supporters forcefully shut some shops and businesses.

The supporters of the former minister first met at the MNK Kalyana Mantap and later took out a procession to the assistant commissioner’s office. However, they were dispersed by the police and they later went in procession from the AC’s office up to Tumakuru Gate.

It was initially decided to hold a meeting on Tuesday and take out a protest rally on Wednesday, but after a large number of supporters turned up, they decided to take out the rally on Tuesday itself. They also raised slogans against the AICC.

Carrying placards with Rajanna’s photo, the protesters demanded justice. They insisted that the Congress presence in Madhugiri and Tumakuru is due to the efforts of K N Rajanna and warned that the party will have no influence without him. They insisted that Rajanna should be reinducted into the cabinet and threatened that the Valmiki community would bring topple the Congress government just as Ramesh Jarkiholi brought down the coalition government.

There is speculation about a cabinet berth for Rajendra Rajanna.

Meanwhile, there is speculation that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah may offer a ministerial position to Rajanna’s son Rajendra, who is an MLC. Rajanna is a staunch supporter of Siddaramaiah and it is said that he softened after the assurance from the CM.

The Valmiki community has about 40 lakh votes in the state and the Congress cannot afford to antagonise them. The chief minister is also said to have discussed the issue of inducting Rajanna’s son with the party high command, it is said.