In the run-up to the crucial floor test which will take place on the floor of the Karnataka Assembly at 4 pm on Saturday, the Congress released a fifth explosive tape where a BJP leader could be heard trying to lure a Congress MLA to their side.
In the fifth tape released, MLA B Sriramulu is allegedly trying to woo Congress MLA BC Patil. B S Yeddyurappa also allegedly tried to woo him earlier, which could be heard in one of the earlier tapes released.
In the recording, the person alleged to be B Sriramulu, who calls himself ‘Ramulu’, pacifies B C Patil and tells him that he and the 3-4 people with him will get 10-15, and that he will make them ministers. The person on the line also goes on to say that they will not be disqualified, and no re-election will take place. BJP National General Secretary Muralidhar Rao then takes the phone, and tells B C Patil that there is no question of him resigning either.
Here is the full transcript:
Namaskara, I am Ramulu speaking.
BC Patil: Namaskara
Sriramulu: What amount are you expecting?
BC Patil: 'Sahebru' didn't tell me anything
Sriramulu: Tell me what amount are you expecting?
BC Patil: That you should tell.
Sriramulu: Some 25 had been spoken. How many people do you have with you?
BC Patil: 3-4 people are with me. I have to clarify to them. I am confident.
Sriramulu: Will get them 10-15
BC Patil: How about their position?
Sriramulu: Will make them Ministers
BC Patil: In my constituency, UB Banakar is strong. If he goes to another party and contests the election it will be a problem for me.
Sriramulu: Don't worry, there won't be any Election. We will elect our speaker and show majority. Like in Andhra and Telangana, there won't be any disqualification of MLAs. So you don't have to worry about Election. I will now give the phone to Muralidhar Rao, you speak to him.
Muralidhar Rao: You need not resign. There is no question of resigning. You don't have to go for Elections again. I suggest you say that you are with the Congress, but that you will not go outside the state. This much you do now. Other things we will discuss later.
BC Patil: As 3-4 people are with me, you have to tell me the figures.
Muralidhar: Sir, we are ready.
Patil: But I have to tell them the figures.
Sriramulu comes to the phone: I have already told you 15. You don't ask him the figures.
Muralidhar Rao: We are ready. And no Election for anybody. It is my word. It's about the speaker. Not only in this state, In every state, it's the same thing.