Cong accuses Yeddyurappa of trying to poach its MLA

Politics over control of Karnataka got murkier today, with the Congress releasing an audio tape where Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa is purportedly heard trying to lure an MLA with the promise of a ministerial berth if he backed the BJP government during the trust vote.

The BJP, however, rejected the charge, calling the tape the job of "mimicry artistes" and the "dirty tricks department" of the Congress.

In the tape, released hours ahead of the crucial floor test, Yeddyurappa is allegedly heard speaking to Congress MLA from Hirekerur B C Patil over phone.

The man Congress claimed was Patil is heard congratulating Yeddyurappa on becoming the chief minister, and informing him that he is travelling on a bus to Kochi.

Yeddyurappa pleads with the man, saying "Come back, you will become minister....I will help you in whichever way you want."
As Patil insists on clarity about his future if he switches sides, the man claimed to be Yeddyurappa says, "You will become minister, that's all."