The Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday termed as “fake” the audio CD containing a purported conversation between BJP leader B. Sriramulu’s aide and a Dubai-based industrialist about the party’s alleged plans to lure disgruntled Congress MLAs to topple the coalition government in the State.
The audio CD surfaced on Monday and kicked up a political storm as it coincided with the demand by ministerial aspirants to expedite the process of Cabinet expansion ahead of the legislature session beginning December 10. The conversation referred to the quantum of money allegedly being given to the MLAs for switching loyalties. This had set off speculation on the political stability of the coalition government.
However, BJP State general secretary C.T. Ravi said: “If the content of the audio is real, then it is a great danger to democracy. The name of the Dubai-based person has been mentioned. If Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy feels that prima facie there is truth in the content of the audio CD, then he must immediately refer the case to CBI. If not, he must accept his lapse and offer an unconditional apology to people,” Mr. Ravi said.
He alleged that the coalition government had resorted to “cheap tactics” by projecting that it was being destabilised, in order to gain sympathy. He maintained that there were indications to believe that the Chief Minister’s Office was behind creating this CD and releasing it to media. The coalition partners are fighting against each other since day one of coming to power, he said.
Mr. Ravi said: “There is no need for external forces to bring down the tottering government and this unprincipled and opportunistic arrangement will collapse under the weight of its own contradictions.”
KPCC files complaint
The KPCC on Tuesday filed a complaint with the city police Commissioner T. Suneel Kumar against BJP’s B. Sriramalu for his alleged attempt to poach Congress MLAs by offering them ₹25 crore each through ‘Operation Kamala’. In his complaint, party leader Rizwan Arshad stated that on Monday (December 3) regional channels played an audio clip where several MLAs belonging to the Congress were being offered money and positions to join the BJP.
“Luring MLAs by offering money to destabilise the government is an offence. Also, the police should investigate the source of the huge amount of money promised to the MLAs,” Mr. Arshad told The Hindu.