Not commited any sin, says Kumaraswamy amidst CD row

Former Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Sunday defended himself after he was caught on tape asking cash from a MLC aspirant in Karnataka.

"In this case I have explained internal party realities with my party workers. It has been blown out of proportion as though I have committed a sin. There is nothing that corroborates that someone has paid any money," said Kumaraswamy.

"I haven't done anything wrong. I have not taken money. I am ready to face any probe," he added.

Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Kumaraswamy was 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.

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.