Purported claim by ex-minister raises political storm in Karnataka

A video footage in which former minister B Sreeramulu purportedly claimed to have spent Rs200 crore for forming the first ever BJP government in the south in Karnataka has surfaced, raising a political storm with opposition Congress and JDS demanding a probe into the issue.

In the footage, telecast by regional news channels, Sreeramulu, who has since quit the BJP, is seen conversing with a Mutt head claiming he had also spent Rs6-10 crore for six months in a row to strengthen BJP party allegedly on then chief minister BS Yeddyurappa's request.

BJP leaders were unavailable for comment, but Sreeramulu, a close associate of mining barons and Bellary brothers G Janardhana Reddy and G Karunakara Reddy, denied discussing money with the pontiff.

"I visited the swamiji to extend an invitation. Can I discuss money with the pontiff?" said Sreeramulu, who launched a two-day fast in Gadag demanding replies from the BJP government on the reasons for backwardness of north Karnataka region.

However, Opposition leaders pressed for a CBI inquiry into the issue.

State JDS President HD Kumaraswamy demanded CBI probe and accused Yeddyurappa of encouraging illegal mining by accepting money from Bellary mining barons.

Making a similar demand, veteran Congress leader CK Jaffer Sherif said the court and people should take note of the conversation and act accordingly.

Union Corporate Affairs Minister Veerappa Moily said the video footage had exposed BJP's "corruption" and demanded a probe into the issue.

Former KPCC President RV Deshpande also demanded that Sreeramulu throw light on the money trail.