Overview

• Rajanna was removed from the Council of Ministers when the Congress high command ordered his resignation and Governor Gehlot approved a formal notification
• Thousands of his supporters demonstrated in Tumakuru, with one protester attempting self-immolation, to condemn his sacking
• The BJP criticised the Congress for suppressing internal debate and spotlighted factional rifts within the state unit
• Rajanna has rejected the grounds for his dismissal, alleged a conspiracy against him and plans to visit Delhi for talks with senior party leaders
• The incident has intensified scrutiny of the Congress’s message control and internal cohesion as it grapples with electoral-roll controversies