BS Yeddyurappa bribed top BJP leaders, Lokpal should investigate: Congress
What's the story
Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala accused top leaders of Bharatiya Janata Party of taking a bribe to the tune of Rs. 1,800 crore from former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa. Surjewala cited a report published in The Caravan and asked newly-appointed Lokpal to investigate the case. The media report claimed a diary showed that Yeddyurappa signed the pay-offs. Here are the details.
Allegations
Bribes were given to judges too: Surjewala
Surjewala said in February 2017 Congress released a video of "jailbird" Yeddyurappa and late Ananth Kumar where they accepted to keeping a diary and receiving Rs. 1,000 crore. Surjewala alleged Rs. 2,690 crore was extorted and Rs. 1,800 crore was given to BJP's central team. Not only this, but lawyers, judges and other top officials also received benefits, Surjewala said citing the report.
Quote
Why didn't BJP investigate the allegations: Surjewala
"The diary with BS Yeddyurappa's sign on it was with the Income Tax Department since 2017. If that is the case, why did Modi ji and BJP did not get it investigated," asked Surjewala.
Probe
"Those named in diary hold top positions in country"
"Officials contacted Arun Jaitley (Union Finance Minister) for a forensic investigation, but no action was taken on that front," added Surjewala. Surjewala then went on to say that those who were mentioned in the diary hold top positions in the country right now and all of them should be investigated. He said this should serve as a test case for Lokpal.
Demand
Everyone who is accused should speak up: Surjewala
Surjewala said Rs. 1,800 crore is a huge amount and BJP should clarify who gave the money and how was it used. He said everyone mentioned, including veteran leaders like LK Advani and MM Joshi, should speak up. Surjewala promised the Karnataka state government will look into the matter but stressed this wasn't just a state issue. "It involves BJP's top brass," Surjewala reminded.