Hassan: Congress MLC Rajendra Rajanna on Saturday ruled out joining JD(S), saying his recent two-hour meeting with Union minister HD Kumaraswamy focused mainly on bringing industries to Tumakuru district and political developments in Karnataka .
“I still have 18 months of my term remaining.
Speaking after visiting Hasanamba Temple in Hassan, Rajendra said neither he nor his father, former minister Rajanna, intended to switch parties. There is no question of switching parties at present. I am still with Congress,” he asserted.
Questioning why Puttanna lost the MLC election, Rajendra said his father could influence votes only in Madhugiri, while 36 MLAs were involved. Because of his outspoken nature and objections to the SIR process, although others had raised similar issues, rajendra alleged that his father was removed as minister.
He said his father had played a significant role in securing the Congress ticket for Shreyas Patel and ensuring his victory in the Hassan Lok Sabha election. Rajendra said discussions about replacing Siddaramaiah as chief minister could affect Congress support among Ahinda communities. He said further developments would depend on meetings involving Siddaramaiah, Rahul Gandhi and other leaders.
“When someone loses, they blame Rajanna. When they win, they say he had no role,” he remarked. Rajanna had served as Hassan district minister for three years. He expressed confidence that Congress would win more seats in the coming zilla panchayat, taluk panchayat and local body elections.
Responding to minister HC Balakrishna’s remarks against him and his father, Rajendra said Balakrishna, who is close to chief minister DK Shivakumar , might be expecting a reward, recognition or political benefit from the chief minister.