Bangalore:
So far there were only charges of horse-trading, but now a video-expose. Video footage released by Janata Dal (S) claims that its MLA was lured by the BJP with Rs 25 crore to cross over. In the dock is none less than Karnataka's Home Minister, R Ashok.
The CD released by JD(S) chief HD Kumaraswamy shows his party MLA Gubbi Srinivas talking on his cellphone to a man who introduces himself as BJP MLA Suresh Gowda.
The four minute video clip also shows the two meeting on Tuesday night to strike the 'deal' as the JD(S) claims.
In the video, the BJP MLA makes a reference to Ashok, the Home Minister, a charge he denies.
"This is baseless allegation against me. The video has not my voice and visual," defended R Ashok, Home Minister, Karnataka.
JD(S) chief HD Kumaraswamy said, "BJP has started Operation Kamala process once again. Because of this disqualification issue in front of the High Court, they have decided to convince some Congress and JD(S) MLAs to resign from their posts. They are offering huge money, that's Rs 30-50 crore."
Meanwhile, with two Congress MLAs resigning in the past two days, poaching charges are piling up against the BJP.