An embarrassment to former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda’s party, the Janata Dal (Secular), as its two party MLAs were allegedly caught in a sting operation, negotiating the rates upward of Rs. 5 crores in further exchange of the votes in elections to the Rajya Sabha from the State. This sting operation was done by a private television channel.
Janata Dal (Secular) MLA caught in s sting
In the sting, the Kerala legislators were seen discussing money to be paid for the Rajya Sabha elections, which are going to be on June 11. While BJP has one seat and Congress has assured 2 seats, it is for the fourth seat, for which JD(S) and also congress has fielded candidates.
The two JD(S) legislators– G.T. Deve Gowda (Chamundeshwari) and Mallikarjun Khuba (Basavakalyan)—were shown in the sting negotiating the rates ranging from Rs. 5 crores and above for their vote. There were two other legislators caught on tape were Varthur Prakash (Kolar), an Independent and B.R. Patil (Aland) from the Karnataka Janata Paksha.
Mr. Khuba was seen negotiating for the rates, accompanied by Mr. G.T Deve Gowda who was seen finding out if the rates are as high as Rs. 10 crores.
Whereas Mr. B.R Patil was shown saying that the prices are being quoted for voting in Rajya Sabha polls and on the other hand, Mr. Khuba was telling reporters that a group of legislators will have a “Fixed Amount.”
However, Mr. G.T Deve Gowda has claimed that it’s a conspiracy against them, and it will be known if the media house is questioned.
