The Karnataka Chief Minister on Friday called a press meet, hours before presenting the State Budget for 2019-20 in the Assembly, and urged all leaders to "call the bluff" on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "false claims" about many issues, including Karnataka's loan waiver scheme. Mr. Kumaraswamy played a 40-minute conversation between Gurmitkal MLA's son Sharana Gowda and Yeddyurappa at the press meet.
The Budget session started on a stormy note, and the opposition BJP continued its ruckus in the legislature for the second day on Thursday. Both Houses were adjourned without transacting much business. Protests are unlikely to let up on Friday when Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy presents the State Budget, and a bigger political drama is expected to unfold.
Here are the highlights from his speech:
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "systematically demolishing democracy and misleading the 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 (as claimed by the CM) is heard speaking in the 40-min tape: "I was promised money and party ticket." He met him at Devdurga around 12.30 am. He was told that he will be given money at Mumbai and also "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.
