Purported audio conversation between two Congress leaders triggers fresh row over Karnataka Cabinet expansion
Amid mounting discontent within the Karnataka Congress over the Cabinet expansion, an audio recording of a purported conversation between two senior Congress leaders has triggered
Amid mounting discontent within the Karnataka Congress over the Cabinet expansion, an audio recording of a purported conversation between two senior Congress leaders has triggered fresh political controversy. A five-minute audio clip, purportedly featuring former Minister and MLA R.B. Thimmapur and Bagalkot District Congress president S.G. Nanjayyanamatha, former MLA, was released by BJP MLC Chalavadi Narayanaswamy. In the recording, two voices are heard making allegations against the Congress high command over the selection of Ministers. Both have dismissed the recording as “doctored.” ‘Honest’ leaders left out According to the purported conversation, the Congress leaders claim that the party high command did not favour “honest” leaders while selecting Ministers. The audio also attributes remarks to AICC general secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal, alleging that the high command preferred other factors over integrity while deciding Cabinet berths.
The conversation reportedly refers to senior Congress leader H.K. Patil, claiming that despite his reputation for honesty and administrative competence, he was denied a ministerial berth. It also questions the inclusion of Minister B. Nagendra, pointing out that he continues to face legal proceedings and is out on bail. The recording further raises questions over the induction of Vijayanand Kashappanavar. The audio has surfaced at a time when several Congress MLAs have openly expressed resentment over their exclusion from the Cabinet. While Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has maintained that resignations of disgruntled legislators would be accepted if submitted, KPCC president B.K. Hariprasad has said the party would hold discussions with dissatisfied leaders. Responding to the controversy, Mr. Nanjayyanamatha admitted that he had spoken to Mr. Thimmapur but alleged that the viral audio had been doctored.
“It is true that I spoke to Mr. Thimmapur. However, those who circulated the audio have inserted additional words,” he said. Thimmapur also dismissed the allegations, claiming that the audio had been fabricated. “The audio has been manipulated. The high command alone takes the final decision on Cabinet expansion,” he said. BJP seizes opportunity Seizing on the issue, BJP leaders launched a sharp attack on the ruling party. Narayanaswamy alleged that Cabinet berths had been “auctioned”, while BJP State president B.Y. Vijayendra claimed that the vacancies had been filled under “payment and management quotas”. Reacting to the allegations, Mr. Kashappanavar termed them part of a conspiracy to malign his political image. “The party has recognised my work and given me an opportunity.
The BriefWire