Karnataka CM Kumaraswamy announces SIT probe into audio clip row
What's the story
Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today announced a comprehensive SIT probe to "bring out the truth" after an audio clip he released showed state BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa in a purported conversation to lure JD(S) MLA Naganagowda Kandkur. The audio clip alleges that Yeddyurappa made an offer to Kandkur's son of Rs. 25 crore and a ministerial post for his father.
Decision
Constitute SIT and give me relief in 15 days: Speaker
Kumaraswamy made the announcement in the state assembly after Speaker Ramesh Kumar suggested an SIT to probe the episode to "establish the truth" as his name has also been dragged into the row. "Constitute an SIT to establish the truth. Give me relief in 15 days," a visibly anguished Kumar said, urging Kumaraswamy, after all members said the speaker was known for his integrity.
Seeking permission
'Pained' at the charges against the speaker, said Kumaraswamy
Members at the assembly said that the dignity of Kumar's office should be protected. Kumaraswamy said he was also "pained" at the charge against the speaker and accepted his suggestion to form an SIT. "I seek your permission to form the SIT for a comprehensive probe to bring out the truth," the chief minister told the speaker today.
Conditions
SIT should not lead to witch-hunt, speaker told Kumaraswamy
BJP members said the probe should be limited to the charge against the speaker as otherwise, they had no trust in the government which was likely to misuse the SIT. The speaker told Kumaraswamy that "this SIT should not lead to a witch-hunt. The probe should be only to establish the truth". The political war over charges of horse-trading had escalated in Karnataka Friday.
Allegation
Yeddyurappa talked about Rs. 50cr offer to book speaker: Kumaraswamy
That day Kumaraswamy released the audio clip in which Yeddyurappa is purportedly trying to lure a JD(S) MLA for destabilizing the coalition government. Kumaraswamy had said that during the purported conversation, Yeddyurappa had also spoken about a "Rs. 50 crore offer to book" the assembly speaker to give a ruling in favor of MLAs who might resign to help the BJP.
Quote
If allegation proved, I'll resign and quit politics, said Yeddyurappa
On the other hand, Yeddyurappa had said he would retire from politics "if it (the allegation) is proved". "If I had spoken like this about the speaker, if it is proved, I will resign as an MLA and quit politics," he had said.