Purported Timmapur–Nanjayyanamath Audio Triggers Fresh Row Over Cabinet Expansion

A purported audio conversation, claimed to be between Congress MLA RB Timmapur and Bagalkot District Congress Committee president SG Nanjayyanamath, surfaced on social media on Wednesday, adding a fresh controversy.

The purported conversation, which has been widely circulated on social media, revolves around the Cabinet expansion, the omission of senior Congress leader HK Patil from the ministry and the induction of certain ministers. Portions of the audio also contain references to alleged rumours of monetary transactions in the allocation of ministerial berths, with the speakers discussing claims being circulated by others. The conversation is heard questioning the induction of Minister B Nagendra, referring to the legal proceedings pending against him.

The audio also contains purported expressions of disappointment over the lack of representation for parts of North Karnataka in the new Cabinet. One of the speakers is heard claiming that efforts had earlier been made to recommend HK Patil for a ministerial berth before the party leadership, but the request did not receive a favourable response. The conversation further touches upon the demand for greater representation to North Karnataka and includes a suggestion that senior Congress leader Laxman Savadi be appointed district in-charge minister.

Responding to the controversy, Timmapur distanced himself from the contents of the purported recording and reiterated his loyalty to the party leadership. He said the Chief Minister had the prerogative to choose his team and that the Congress high command had taken its decision.

"You have heard the audio. Did I say anything? I have no disappointment. If the leadership wanted to give opportunities to new faces, that is their decision. I am a disciplined soldier of the party and I will abide by whatever the high command and our leaders decide. I will never do anything that brings disrepute to the party," Timmapur told reporters.

When asked about the audio, he maintained that he had not made any remarks against the party leadership and questioned whether anything in the recording reflected criticism of the high command.

Nanjayyanamath, meanwhile, acknowledged speaking to Timmapur after the Cabinet expansion but alleged that the circulated audio seems to have some inclusion.

"I had called him only to pacify him after he was not included in the Cabinet. I did speak to him, but it appears that certain portions have been added to the audio. I will approach the Bagalkot Superintendent of Police on Thursday and seek an investigation into the matter," he said.

He also denied making any remarks suggesting that money had changed hands in the allocation of ministerial berths. Referring to Timmapur's political career, Nanjayyanamath said he had never opposed his elevation as minister on earlier occasions, including when he was made a minister despite losing an election and later being nominated to the Legislative Council.

Minister Vijayanand Kashappanavar also reacted to the controversy, saying he had heard the purported audio on Wednesday morning.

While stating that the voices in the circulated clip appeared familiar to him, he said it was for the party leadership to examine the matter.

"Such discussions are not appropriate. Our leaders, the KPCC president and the Chief Minister, will look into the issue and take an appropriate decision," he told reporters.

Kashappanavar also objected to the references made in the purported audio to the Cabinet expansion and the alleged remarks concerning senior Congress leader KC Venugopal. He said Timmapur had been accommodated by the party on several occasions, including being made a minister four times and also being nominated to the Legislative Council after an electoral defeat, and claimed there had been no opposition within the party at those times.

Referring to the purported contents of the audio, Kashappanavar said he would bring the matter to the notice of the party leadership and sought appropriate action.