CD released:Kumaraswamy claims BJP poaching JD(S)

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, October 22: It is yet another new drama in Karnataka politics. Former Chief Minister and JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy on Thursday (October 21) released a CD claiming that he has evidence of BJP trying to poach his party MLAs. Ironically, this comes just days after Kumaraswamy himself was under the scanner for horse trading.

 

In what is seen as Kumaraswamy’s latest attack on Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, a video that alleges BJP is offering bribes to opposition MLAs was released. Kumaraswamy said, "With this CD, I will meet the Governor and I will request him to immediately recommend to dismiss this government to the Central government."

The video footage, which TIMES NOW cannot vouch for, shows JD(S) MLA Srinivas along with BJP MLA Suresh Gowda in a meeting that apparently took place after a phone conversation.

Excerpts from the telephonic conversation



Gowda: This is Suresh Gowda

Srinivas: Yes, tell me. where are you?

Gowda: I am coming to your town. I was asked to talk to you about the deal.

Srinivas: You bring the amount.

Gowda: How much do you want?

Srinivas: I don’t know how much you have offered the others.

Gowda: You tell me brother.

Srinivas: Ok. I will ask for Rs 100 crore. Will you give it to me? Is that possible?

Gowda: We will give you ticket

Srinivas: I can be an independent also if I do not get BJP ticket. It does not matter if the money comes from you, Ashok, Reddy or Yeddyurappa. I need the money.

Gowda: Fine Rs 15 crore is what we are offering

Srinivas: How is that possible? I need at least Rs 25 crore

Gowda: Ok. I consider that final. I will call back.

The situation is getting murkier in Karnataka politics. It looks like fresh rounds of battles will begin with the JD(S) and Congress planning to approach the Governor, accusing the BJP of openly poaching. Both Congress and JD(S) are demanding that the government should be dismissed and President’s rule should be imposed immediately.

But just days ago, Kumawarswamy was himself, accused of horse-trading ahead of Yeddyurappa’s trust vote. The murky politics of Karnataka, it now seems, has come down to dirty tape wars.

Timesnow