"No Question Of Leadership Change": Karnataka Minister Named In Audio Clip

The audio clip emerged at a time when there is speculation of Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa being replaced by the end of this month.

Karnataka BJP leader and minister KS Eshwarappa has reacted to a widely-shared audio clip that talks of a new team in the state without him and former chief minister Jagadish Shettar as part of it. The BJP's Karnataka chief, Nalin Kumar Kateel, has denied any connection to the audio recording, although it has been pointed out that the voice in the clip is similar to Mr Kateel's voice. "One audio is released in the TV. Our state president expressed saying 'it is not my voice. This is a fake voice'. He has already told the Chief Minister, 'Please inquire into the subject.' There is no subject here," Mr Eshwarappa said. The audio clip emerged at a time when there is speculation of Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa being replaced by the end of this month. The voice, speaking in the local Tulu language, also says the decision on a new Chief Minister will be taken by the Delhi leadership. Mr Eshwarappa also said there was no question of a change in leadership in the state. "In some TV (channels), news is coming out that Chief Minister leadership is changing. But so far, there is no question of changing the leadership. Some two to three MLAs are demanding every day and that issue is getting more importance in public. There is no question of change in leadership," he said.