'You will get 100 times more than whatever assets you have': Here’s the transcript of alleged call by Reddy

Bengaluru, May 18: Even as the Bharatiya Janata Party has continued its efforts to poach MLAs from opposition parties, the Congress on Friday released an audio clip where mining baron Gali Janardhana Reddy is heard offering money to the Congress's MLA from Raichur Rural.

Reddy is also heard offering the MLA, Basanagouda Daddal, a berth in the council of ministers. 

The offer, according to Reddy, has BJP president Amit Shah's approval. Daddal defeated the BJP's Tipparaju by 9964 votes in the May 12 polls.

Transcript of the call

Male voice: Janardhan sahebru will speak to you if you are free.

Basanagouda: Give. Give.

Janardhan: Basanagouda...are you free?

Basanagouda: Yes, I’m free sir...

Don’t remember all the bad things that happened in the past. I am telling you in the middle of the night that good times have started for me. I’m telling you directly. The big man, the national president will himself speak to you. Whatever you want, whatever post, you can talk one-to-one and we take a step forward.

Basanagouda: It won’t happen, sir...When I was on my last legs, they helped me when I was really down...

Janardhan: I have only one point to tell you. During the BSR time, it was a very bad time for me where there was a very hostile environment. We have all lost a lot, there are no two words on that. You will grow a 100 times if you listen to me. You know Shivanagouda Naik, he listened to me and became a minister. Hasn’t he become strong now as an MLA and a man who can stand on his own feet?  Didn’t all of it happen because of me? What about Raju Gouda? Didn’t he become, because of me? Your tragedy, in our bad time, you and we didn’t match. But today, Shivanagouda Naik, even if he wins, it is of no use. You will become a minister. Do you understand? I will make you sit with the big man, one to one and I will myself make sure both of you talk. This country, the way they are giving the administration, you are seeing it. Whatever assets you have, you will get 100 times more, Basanagouda.

Basanagouda: Sorry sir. When I was on my last legs, they gave me the ticket, these leaders. In this situation, I can’t betray them. I have respect and affection for you...

The audio clip ends.

Meanwhile, BJP reacted to the latest developments and denounced the audio clip released by Congress by dubbing it 'fake'. 

Union Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar called the release of the audio clip as the 'handiwork of Congress' dirty tricks department' while speaking to ANI.