Cash-for-revolt CD stuns BJP MLAs

MLAs who were with the Bellary bros can't switch to the CM's camp even after the rebellion's cooled, thanks to compromising footage of theirs said to be with the BJP strongmen. Psst... the CD shows money changing hands, say those in the know

Cash-for-revolt CD stuns BJP MLAs

The 70-odd BJP legislators, who were in the Bellary Reddy brothers' camp last month during the revolt against CM Yeddyurappa, can't switch sides now, thanks to a video CD.

CDs of the MLAs accepting bribes were allegedly sent to the MLAs recently.

With the Reddys in distress in the wake of CBI raids against them, many of the MLAs are trying to switch camps, as the Reddys are in no position to keep their promises of getting them cushy ministries, and
chairmanships of state government-owned boards and corporations.

A source close to Janardhana Reddy said, "This is not some hide-and-seek game. We shot the MLAs when we gave them Rs 1 to Rs 2 crore as friendly gifts. It was done with their knowledge and the MLAs had no problems with the shooting."

"We are caught in a tangle. We have lost CM's confidence by siding with the Reddys. While there is no use being with Reddys now, it is not easy switching sides thanks to this CD nuisance. It is nothing but blackmail," said an MLA, who was sent the CD.

Another MLAs this reporter spoke to said he was not afraid of the Reddys making the CD public.

"If the Reddys release the CDs, they expose themselves along with us, as bribing is as much a crime as accepting a bribe is," the MLA said.

AFTER THE REBELLION: Janardhana Reddy (extreme left) and brother Karunakara (extreme right) with loyalists at the Raj Bhavan after a compromise was reached with CM Yeddyurappa last month.

N Renukacharya, Honnali MLA, who was seen at the frontline of the Reddy camp during the revolt, refused to comment on whether the Reddys had offered him money.

"These are all rumours. The Reddys are not threatening us," Renukacharya said.

While Janardhana Reddy was not available for comment, a close aide, who did not wish to be named, said, "We have many explosive CDs that can create a flutter in state politics. I don't know which one you are referring to."

Not a new trick

The Reddys had hit the headlines in 2006 when they declared that they recorded former CM H D Kumaraswamy accepting bribes for issuing mining licences. However, they did not release the CD, only demanding a CBI inquiry into the issue.

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