Kumaraswamy's cash for seat controversial remark snowballs as BJP, NCP castigate JD-S leader

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A political storm has erupted over former Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy purported comments of seeking cash from a MLC aspirant in Karnataka, as leaders from the BJP and the NCP castigated the JD-S leader.

Reacting on this issue, Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Ananth Kumar said, " It is very unfortunate that a former chief minister is talking like this. During Atal Behari Vajpayee government we tried to bring in reforms in both Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council elections. We could make Rajya Sabha elections transparent. We have to bring same transparecncy in Legislative Council elections also."

"The biggest disease of these elections are horse-trading and we need to bring that to an end through systematic change," he added.

On being asked about JDS chief defending his son's act, saying 'it happens in every party across country', Minister Ananth Kumr said, "I totally deny his charges and condemn his charges. I want to ask straight questions to him what were the reforms that he brought during Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council elections during his tenure. It is BJP which brought in reforms, therefore that amply clarifies our stand on this."

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Tariq Anwar said, "I believe the law should take its own course. If there is any truth to what he has said then that is a matter of concern that a leader who has remained as chief minister is seeking cash for seats and therefore action must be taken as per law."

Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Kumaraswamy has reportedly been caught on tape asking for Rs. 40 crore from an MLC aspirant who sought his party's support in the recently concluded elections to the Upper House of the Karnataka legislature.

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The audio clip of the conversation between Kumaraswamy and the aspirant from Bijapur, Vijaygouda Patil, which was anonymously released to the media late on Saturday, has been reportedly authenticated by Kumaraswamy.

In the clip, the JDS leader is heard saying, "Our MLAs are not in my control. They are already in talks with (CM) Siddaramaiah and have offered to support the Congress candidate for money. You pay the money and I will take care of the rest."

The conversation is purported to have occurred in Bangalore during a party meet in early June this year. Vijaygouda Patil's failure to secure the JD(S) nomination is being seen as the motivation behind the expose.