Kumaraswamy releases audio-clips, claims Yeddyurappa trying to topple his government
Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today released two audio clips purportedly of BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa trying to lure JD(S) MLA Nagan Gouda, claiming the party was trying to topple his government. He said all this is being done with the knowledge of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, Yeddyurappa dismissed the audio clips and called them 'fake'. Here's what happened.
Yeddyurappa trying to lure JD(S) MLA Nagan Gouda: Kumaraswamy
Kumaraswamy released the clips at a hurriedly called press conference hours before the presentation of the state budget in the Assembly. He claimed that the clips were purportedly of Yeddyurappa trying to lure JD(S) MLA Nagan Gouda. Kumaraswamy claimed Yeddyurappa called Nagan Gouda's son Sharan Gouda in the early hours today in Devadurga in an attempt to entice his father.
Without PM's knowledge is it possible, asks Kumaraswamy
"Without the knowledge of the prime minister, is it possible to do this," Kumaraswamy asked, saying Modi should come clean on the issue. The ruling coalition partners Congress and JD(S) have been accusing the BJP of trying to dethrone their nine-month old government with various offers, including bribe in cash and ministerial berths, a charge the saffron party has rejected.
Audio clips 'fake' and 'a concocted story', said Yeddyurappa
Commenting on the audio clips, Yeddyurappa rubbished them as "fake" and "a concocted story". He said he had not met anyone to woo JD(S) lawmaker Nagan Gouda as alleged and that the charge against him was "far from the truth." Giving clarification, the BJP Karnataka president said that he went to Devadurga to visit a temple and flew back to the city.
Kumaraswamy is trying to hide his failures: BJP Karnataka President
Yeddyurappa said Kumaraswamy had "concocted" the story to hide his failures and inability to keep the JD(S) and Congress flock together. "It's a fake audio... I have not met anyone. Kumaraswamy is trying to hide his failures. This is a drama," Yeddyurappa said. He said the Kumaraswamy government had lost the trust of the people and had "no moral right" to continue in office.
If the allegation is proved, I'll quit politics, said Yeddyurappa
"Kumaraswamy himself is a film-producer. He's an expert in voice recording.... whatever the charge he has made is baseless," Yeddyurappa said. He also dismissed a claim by Kumaraswamy that he had spoken in the audio about a "Rs. 50 crore" offer to the Assembly speaker. If it's proved that I've spoken like this then I'll resign as an MLA and quit politics, he said.
