Bengaluru, Jun 20 (UNI) BJP state president Vijayendra Yediyurappa on Friday reacted strongly to the emergence of a purported audio clip allegedly involving a senior Congress MLA BR Patil, claiming it as "clear evidence" of the rampant corruption under the current Congress-led government in Karnataka.

"Honestly speaking, I am not surprised by the audio released by the ruling party's own MLA. He is a senior legislator and what he has said reflects the rot in the system. Corruption is everywhere in Karnataka ever since this Congress government came to power," Vijayendra said while addressing reporters.

UNI has neither verified the authenticity of the audio clip, nor is it in a position to do so.

In the audio, which has gone viral on social media, Patil is allegedly heard complaining about deep-rooted corruption and commissions of up to 60 to 80 per cent being demanded in government departments. The MLA is also reportedly critical of the leadership within the ruling Congress and voices concern over the direction the government is headed.

Vijayendra reiterated the BJP’s long-standing accusation that the Congress was turning Karnataka into an “ATM” for its high command in Delhi.

“You go to any department in the state, without 60 to 80 percent cut, no work gets done. There is zero development. People are angry and frustrated,” he added.

Calling the revelation a serious matter, Vijayendra said the bureaucracy had lost confidence in the Siddaramaiah-led government. “When a senior Congress MLA himself has made such serious allegations, it proves that all is not well. It is commendable that he had the courage to expose the truth before the people of Karnataka,” he stated.

The BJP leader demanded immediate action and accountability, asserting that the Congress government stood “exposed before the public.” UNI BDN SSP