India, Aug. 12 -- Hours after stepping down as Karnataka's Cooperation Minister, senior Congress leader KN Rajanna claimed there was a "huge conspiracy" behind his removal from the state Cabinet. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Rajanna insisted his controversial remarks on voter list irregularities, which contradicted the party's stand, had been "misunderstood" and vowed to clear the air with Rahul Gandhi personally.

"There is a big conspiracy and plot behind this. I know exactly who all are behind it and what has happened. My statement was misunderstood. I will make efforts to clear that misunderstanding," Rajanna said, adding that the decision to remove him had come directly from the Congress high command.

Acknowledging that the Gove...