The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has called for explanations from Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi regarding allegations of a ‘sale’ of ministerial positions following the recent cabinet expansion in Karnataka.
This demand arose after claims made by BJP’s Karnataka unit leader C. Narayanaswamy on Wednesday. He referenced a purported audio conversation between two leaders of the Congress state unit, alleging that cabinet positions were acquired based on financial influence.
Narayanaswamy asserted that the alleged audio recording suggests that ‘honest’ legislators lacking financial resources were denied ministerial roles. He also questioned the reappointment of B. Nagendra, who is implicated in the ₹89 crore Valmiki Tribal Development Corporation scam, to the state cabinet. The BJP leader warned that the party would protest if Nagendra remained in his position.
BJP MP Anurag Thakur criticized Congress regarding the alleged audio recordings, stating, ‘In Congress, an individual’s stature and position are determined by the financial offerings made to the party’s top leadership. This is not my assertion; these serious allegations have emerged from conversations among Congress leaders.’ Thakur claimed that according to the alleged audio, 80 percent of ministers in the Karnataka cabinet secured their positions through such financial contributions. He questioned, ‘Why was a person accused in the Valmiki Tribal Development Corporation scam, who is still facing an ED case, included in the cabinet? Did someone who misappropriated funds meant for Dalits gain a place in the new cabinet based on payments?’ The BJP leader emphasized to reporters, ‘These are serious allegations. Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and K.C. Venugopal must respond to these claims.’