Matters revolving around the infamous tapes doing the rounds in Karnataka Assembly circles came to a head in Hassan on Wednesday, 13 February, after a BJP MLA was allegedly caught on tape saying that JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda would die soon.
The matter came to light on Wednesday morning, when CM Kumaraswamy released extended voice recordings that allegedly contained evidence of the BJP’s attempt at horse-trading during the ongoing Budget session of the Karnataka Assembly.
In the audio clip in question, the voice believed to be that of Hassan MLA Preetham Gowda can be heard speaking to Sharanagouda, who is believed to be the one at the centre of Audiogate, telling him that unlike Deve Gowda and Kumaraswamy, Sharanagouda had a long political career ahead of him.
Sharanagouda is the son of JD(S) MLA from Gurmitkal, Naganagouda Kandkur and is the one who allegedly recorded the conversation between himself and BJP leader Yeddyurappa in Devadurga last week, as Yeddyurappa attempted to poach him.
In the tape released by the JD(S) camp on Wednesday, the following audio, allegedly of Preetham Gowda can be heard saying:
“You are a youngster, you can work for the next 40 years, this is a national level post. As long as the sun and stars are there, you can enjoy power. Deve Gowda will die soon and Kumaraswamy’s health is poor, then the party is dead. Let’s all stay together.”
Soon after the the content of the tapes began to circulate, JD(S) workers in Hassan are believed to have assembled before Preetham Gowda’s house in Hassan and made a scene. In retaliation, BJP workers and supporters of Gowda are also supposed to have reached the scene.
With the protest against Gowda’s comments about a former prime minister intensifying, stones were pelted. In the ensuing chaos, one Rahul Kini, BJP State Executive Committee member of the Yuva Morcha wad badly injured after a stone missed his right eye, grievously injuring his temple and head.
Soon, the cops had to rush to the spot to maintain calm and also had to lathi charge the gathering to get them to disperse. Preetham Gowda later claimed that the mob had rushed into his house, and threatened his family, including his aged parents.
CM Says Attack was Provoked
“Today’s incident has happened because of Hassan MLA’s words about a former PM. Some workers protested in front of the MLA’s residence peacefully. BJP workers provoked them by using worst language. They have initiated it and now they are utilising the issue to divert attention. For that, they have done this. When I got information, I directed Hassan SP and IG of Mysore to take immediate action against those who disturbed the issue and attacked anybody. I have told them to take action as per law.”CM Kumaraswamy
Kumaraswamy claimed that this was another attempt by the BJP to not debate and pass the Budget. BJP lawmakers raised the issue during the Assembly session, post adjournment as well, forcing Speaker Kumar to adjourn the session till the following day.
Yeddyurappa Headed to Hassan to Hold Programme With Workers
Heavily condemning the attack on the house of Hassan MLA, Yeddyurappa along with several other BJP lawmakers has said he will set out for Hassan on Wednesday to meet with party workers there , family of the MLA and the person injured in the altercation.
“We are going to Hassan to Preetham Gowda's house. We will go meet his mother, we condemn this thuggery. His mother was manhandled. We will go and speak to our supporters there. We will also have an event for our BJP workers there. they are waiting for us. This does not show JD(S) in a good light. They will have to answer for this on the coming days,” said Yeddyurappa.
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