Karnataka: Congress lawmaker calls bribe audio-clip fake, leaves party embarrassed
What's the story
A Facebook post of Congress lawmaker Shivaram Hebbar has left his party red-faced. In the post dated May 19, Hebbar wrote the audio clip released by Congress, alleging Bharatiya Janata Party bribed its MLAs, is fake. This is bound to embarrass Congress, that sang the tune of horse-trading by BJP many times in the past few days, after fractured mandate in Karnataka elections.
Shocking post
Hebbar condemns acts done for political gains
The lawmaker from Yellapur wrote on Facebook, the clip which was widely circulated, saying his wife had a conversation with BJP leader, is untrue. Further, in the post written in Kannada, Hebbar condemned the incident where false tapes were released for political reasons. Thanking people in his constituency for their support, Hebbar further wrote he has been given the opportunity to serve people again.
The tapes
Congress says audio-clips are genuine
Congress leader VS Ugrappa said, "Audio clips are genuine, we challenge it to be sent to a forensic lab." Ahead of the floor test (that never happened) in Karnataka assembly, Congress released tapes of alleged conversation BJP leaders had with its lawmakers. One sensational tape alleged BS Yeddyurappa offered portfolio to lawmaker BC Patil in exchange of trust vote. BJP, however, denied their involvement.
Karnataka chose BJP
Meanwhile, Amit Shah launches scathing attack on Congress-JD(S)
BJP National President Amit Shah today again said that Congress bought an entire stable by offering CM post to HD Kumaraswamy. He added, "No one will be the dominating party. Both of them have conned people. They will later come to know the pros and cons of this unholy alliance. Domination doesn't come with power but with the love of people."
Twitter Post
Amit Shah takes jibe at Congress's EVM blame game
Now they (Congress) like EVMElection Commission. It's a good sign that opposition now likes both of them even after what they have in hand is an incomplete victory. All I can say is hopefully they like EVMElection Commission even when they lose abide by SC's order: Amit Shah pic.twitter.com/nBKSqh4A3l
— ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2018