BJP leader Yediyurappa gave me Rs. 1,000cr, claims disqualified MLA
Since May 2018, Karnataka has entered an era of unending political turmoil. HD Kumaraswamy was sworn-in as Chief Minister, 17 MLAs withdrew support from the coalition government, and eventually, BJP's BS Yediyurappa was given the helm of state. And now, an explosive statement by one of the disqualified MLAs has once again stirred drama in Karnataka. Here's all you need to know about it.
Backstory: MLAs resigned, were disqualified, then approached Supreme Court
To recall, after the MLAs resigned, all of them were disqualified by former speaker KR Ramesh Kumar, prompting them to challenge this decision at Supreme Court. As the case is lying in the top court, MLA Narayana Gowda said he was approached by Yediyurappa before Kumaraswamy's government crumbled. Gowda said he paid a visit to Yediyurappa's home a few months ago.
Yediyurappa sought help to become CM, said Gowda
"When we entered his home, Yediyurappa was worshiping. Once I entered, he asked me to sit and asked me to support him so that he can become the chief minister once again," Gowda said on Tuesday.
He wanted Rs. 700 crore, Yediyurappa gave Rs. 1,000 crore
Further, Gowda said he asked the 76-year-old to give him Rs. 700 crore for developing Krishnarajpet constituency. "He said he will give Rs. 300 crore more and will give Rs. 1,000 crore. He also provided that money afterwards," he revealed. Gowda also claimed that another JD(S) MLA from Mandya also supported Yediyurappa after he was given funds to develop his constituency.
Amid allegations, Yediyurappa said he wasn't involved in coalition's fall
As he is facing allegations of bringing down the JD(S)-Congress coalition, Yediyurappa said on Monday that he was not involved. "We have no connection with the resignation of the 17 disqualified MLAs. Further, what they want to do is left to them," he told reporters.
An audio clip of Yediyurappa added new twist to story
Yediyurappa, (in)famous for attempting "Operation Lotus" several times, may have tried to distance himself from the disqualified MLAs, but an audio clip in which he spoke about them has added a new angle to the state's politics. The CM purportedly lost cool at his party members in Hubli after they raised an objection against giving tickets to disqualified MLAs for the upcoming by-polls.
