On JD(S)' audio tapes claiming poaching by BJP leaders, party to petition Karnataka Assembly Speaker for judicial inquiry

The BJP has decided to petition to the Speaker Ramesh Kumar on Wednesday to oppose SIT probe into the audio tapes which was released by JD(S) alleging poaching by its party members. They will also insist on a judicial inquiry or probe monitored by a sitting judge on the tapes. 

BJP leaders had met at BS Yeddyurappa's residence over this matter.

The Budget session in the Karnataka assembly which took place on February 8 was overshadowed by poaching allegations by the chief minister and JD(S) leader HD Kumarakaswamy against BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa and others. The JD(S) had released audio tapes alleging it contained proof of BJP leader BSY and others poaching its MLAs.

BJP has issued a whip to all it's MLAs to be present in the assembly. The whip also states that all the legislators must attend the proceedings till they are adjourned.

Meanwhile, Congress rebel MLA Ramesh Jhakiroli has returned to Bengaluru on late Tuesday night after being incommunicado for over 40 days. He was living in Mumbai hotel for over 40 days.

Sources have said that Jhakiroli has spoken to Congress leader KC Venugopal

As per sources, Jhakiroli may still vote against the budget on Wednesday.

Rebel Congress MLA Umesh Jadav who was also believed to be in Mumbai and remain incommunicado has returned to his residence in the state. He has claimed that he has had personal work and hence could not attend the CLP meet.

"I had personal work and thus could not attend CLP meet. I can't tell you attend details. I have proof to show why I didn't attend CLP meet. I respect speaker Ramesh Kumar the most on earth. He is right when he says he is not like a head master. We are all responsible people, over 2 lakh people elected us. We will present our genuine cause, those who wanted to really get in touch with us have managed to contact us. Those who called for the sake of it will claim otherwise. Siddaramaiah is my leader and shall always be."

The Congress is likely to issue whip again to its MLAs to attend the state assembly session.