Failed Coup & Modi’s Name in Audio Tape to Hurt BJP in Karnataka

Unlike the past 3 attempts, the BJP’s efforts to topple government has put the party in a tough spot.

Touted as a test case for the Opposition’s unity, toppling the JD(S)-Congress coalition government has been a priority for the BJP. Although it began as BJP state president BS Yeddyurappa’s desperate attempt to become chief minister before losing his relevance in state politics, the collapse of the government in Karnataka was perceived as a strong message in the time of ‘Mahagathbandhan’.

But with the return of the four rebel MLAs, and an independent MLA, who had earlier pledged alliance to BJP, returning to the coalition camp, effectively put an end to the BJP’s fourth coup attempt.

Unlike the past three attempts, the BJP’s efforts to topple government ahead of the budget session has put the party in a disadvantageous position in Karnataka ahead of the crucial 2019 general elections.

The audio tapes released by Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, in which Yeddyurappa is allegedly heard offering bribes to an MLA’s son, has given the coalition partners ammunition to take the BJP to task, which holds more seats in the Parliament in Karnataka.

More importantly, for the first time, Prime Minister Modi and BJP President Amit Shah have been directly named in the allegations of facilitating bribery, thanks to audio tapes.

‘I’ll Arrange Rs 10 Crore for You’: Yeddyurappa on Tape

A day before Kumaraswamy was to present the budget, scepticism over the future of the coalition government ran amok. Apart from the four Congress rebel MLAs camped in Mumbai, the BJP claimed there were more than 15 MLAs who were ready to jump ship.

But then came the big expose by Kumaraswamy.

“Once everything is finalised and even before you become minister, I’ll arrange for Rs 10 crore to be given to you. During elections, you’ll be a minister so you can do whatever you want. The government will be ours so we’ll take care. Making you an MLA is upon us. Convincing your father is upon you,” Yeddyurappa was heard saying on the tape.

The audio tapes took the BJP by surprise and party leaders couldn’t provide a satisfactory explanation against the allegations. Yeddyurappa initially called the tapes fake and later admitted that he was part of the conversation in question. Instead of a counter attack, BJP focused its energy on opposing a police investigation into the matter.

While the audio tapes forced BJP on the backfoot, the coalition government used the confusion to pass the Finance Bill and ensure their government is safe. To add to misery of the BJP, despite protest, government ordered a probe by a Special Investigation Team (SIT). This was followed by an FIR under Prevention of Corruption Act against Yeddyurappa.

PM Modi, Shah Linked to the Controversy

“If resignations aren’t accepted, it’ll be shown as Constitutional crisis and Governor’s rule will be brought. Then, resignations will made to be accepted through court or whatever.... All this has happened at Amit Shah, Narendra Modi, Governor levels...big levels… high court, Supreme Court judges, Speaker’s trouble – what needs to be done, everything has been made ready,” BJP legislator Shivanagouda Naik, who accompanied Yeddyurappa, was heard saying on the tape.

Kumaraswamy spared no time in using this to train guns at PM Modi. “Without the knowledge of the prime minister, is it possible to do this?" he asked during a press briefing, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi should come clean on the issue.

During the 2018 Assembly elections, the Modi wave was projected as one of the reasons for the BJP emerging as a single largest party. This was a political advantage the BJP enjoyed, for which the Congress or JD(S) had no counter. However, the tapes have given the coalition partners a case for the Modi wave, and that too months ahead of the elections.

Comments Against Deve Gowda to Backfire

“Listen to me. There’s no political future for the JD(S). Deve Gowda’s wicket will fall and Kumaraswamy doesn’t have health. Then, the party will be dismissed. A national party (like the BJP) will last for as long as the sun and moon,” said Pritam Gowda, BJP legislator in the audio tapes. 

This statement by Pritam Gowda has resulted in a JD(S) worker throwing a stone at a supporter of Pritam in Hassan. Beaten by the audiogate, the BJP projected this incident as a law and order issue.

But according to ground reports, while the stone pelting incident did not catch on as an issue, in the Old Mysore Region, the BJP MLA’s reference to Deve Gowda’s death didn’t go well with his supporters.

One of the big concerns for the coalition partner, ahead of the Lok Sabha election, was the BJP gaining ground in South Karnataka, which was earlier a battleground between the JD(S) and the Congress. However, the anti-Gowda family statement has put the BJP in a tough spot.

The audio tapes have effectively put an end to BJP’s attempt to topple the government and with the general elections just around the corner, another attempt is considered unlikely. But their last, desperate attempt has put the BJP in a vulnerable spot as the SIT probe is expected to be used against them by the coalition partners.