'Ready to retire if audio tape proved to be fabricated'

Inquiry needed into 'Operation Kamala' audio tape: HDK

Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Saturday said that he would retire from active politics if it is proved that the audio clip which he released on Friday turns out to be fabricated.

He was speaking to media persons after taking part in the launch of public welfare programmes on the first day of the fourth Mahamastakabhisheka of Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Bahubali on Saturday.

"Let Aravinda Limbavali and other BJP leaders release the entire audio which they claim to be in possession of, in which I have demanded a kickback to nominate an MLC", the chief minister challenged.

"They are referring to the tape when I was speaking to BJP member Vijayagowda of Bijapur, who once happened to be a JD(S) member. I was speaking in the presence of JD(S) leaders and not behind locked doors," said Kumaraswamy.

The CM further alleged that BJP leaders, Yeddyurappa, Ashwatthanarayana and Yogeshwar - have been carrying out desperate efforts to destabilise the coalition government by trying to lure JD(S) MLAs every single day.

He also refuted allegations by BJP leaders that the audio tape released by him is a fabricated one.

"I am basically a film producer. But I did not do anything like BJP leaders who create audio tape in Hyderabad to support their allegations on me about a Rs 150 crore scam," the CM added.

"B S Yeddyurappa should remember that after he made a pledge in the name of Lord Manjunatha, he had to resign," HDK said.

Audio clip needs to be probed

Earlier in the day, Kumaraswamy clarified that he did not say that the voice heard in the audio clip on ‘Operation Kamala’ released by him on Friday was that of BJP President B S Yeddyurappa.

Speaking to media persons at Mangaluru International Airport before leaving for Dharmasthala, Kumaraswamy said “there is a need to conduct a probe into the voice in the audio clip. The audio clip has mentioned the names of Assembly Speaker, Amit Shah, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a judge. The statements in the audio aimed at harming the democratic setup. There is a need to conduct an inquiry into it.”

“Yeddyurappa has termed the audio clip as mimicry. There is a need to bring out the truth in the audio clip. Let us have an inquiry if Prime Minister Narendra Modi cooperates in this regard. Let us look into the probe by ACB also,” he added.