Hours before presenting the State Budget, Karnataka Chief Minister Kumaraswamy released audio clips allegedly of BJP State president B.S. Yeddyurappa trying to lure a JD(S) MLA with the promise of money and position.
At a press meet, he urged all leaders to "call the bluff" on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "false claims" about many issues, including Karnataka's loan waiver scheme.
The Chief Minister played a 40-minute conversation, allegedly between Gurmitkal MLA's son Sharana Gowda and Mr. Yeddyurappa. He claimed that such a conservation could not have happened without the knowledge of the Prime Minister.
Mr. Kumaraswamy said:
''Mr. Modi is systematically demolishing democracy and misleading Parliament. He is encouraging his friends here to demolish democracy through blackmail. We will expose how democracy is being demolished by the BJP. Do not sabotage the budget because it amounts to sabotaging the life of people of the State.
''I demand that the PM practise what he preaches. Your friends are exposing your real face. I demand Mr. Modi to take action.
''Mr. Yeddyurappa made a trip to Devdurg in North Karnataka to make calls to MLAs on the eve of budget and buy up MLAs. Mr. Yeddyurappa, in the tape, has claimed to have 'bought' even judges so that action cannot be taken against them legally.
''Sharana Gowda was called late at night. Mr. Gowda is heard saying in the 40-minute tape 'I was promised money and party ticket.' He met him at Devdurga around 12.30 a.m. He was told that he will be given money in Mumbai and also a 'good position'.
''Is the BJP paying from its party funds for these dealings? They are inducing and threatening MLAs and their families. I am going to send the audio to Mr. Modi, as he repeatedly says he is the only saviour of the country.''
Leader of opposition B.S. Yeddyurappa addressing media.
Yeddyurappa denies charge
Mr. Yeddyurappa, however denied all the charges. He said he visited Devdurg on "personal work" and didn't meet "any MLA's son."
Talking to reporters in Bengaluru, he termed the audio CD a "fake audio". The entire exercise was "a drama enacted to cover up their failure. If the allegations are proved, I will retire from politics," he said.
