An audio clip allegedly featuring Congress leader Zameer Ahmed Khan has gone viral, raising questions about his involvement in the Davangere South bypoll. The conversation, recorded in Urdu and Kannada, begins with the phrase 'How is the voting going on..' and lasts for three minutes and 50 seconds. In the clip, voices are heard discussing support for a candidate from the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI).
Details of the Audio Leak
The audio, which surfaced on social media platforms late Tuesday night, purportedly captures Khan coordinating with an associate to ensure the SDPI candidate's success. The conversation includes references to polling booth management and voter mobilization. Khan, a prominent Muslim face in the Congress party, has not yet issued an official statement regarding the clip's authenticity.
Political Reactions
The leak has triggered sharp reactions from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and other opposition parties. BJP leaders accused the Congress of covertly aligning with the SDPI, which they describe as a communal outfit. 'This audio exposes the Congress party's double standards,' said a BJP spokesperson. 'They claim to be secular but secretly support divisive forces.'
Congress Denial
The Congress party has dismissed the audio as doctored and part of a conspiracy to defame its leaders. Party spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala stated, 'This is a fabricated audio clip created by our political rivals. We demand a forensic examination to expose the truth.' Meanwhile, the SDPI has neither confirmed nor denied the conversation.
Background of the Bypoll
The Davangere South bypoll was necessitated after the sitting MLA resigned to join another party. The election, held on May 30, saw a multi-cornered contest involving Congress, BJP, JD(S), and SDPI. The results are expected later this week. The audio leak has added a new dimension to the already heated political battle in the constituency.
Karnataka's political landscape has been volatile, with frequent allegations of horse-trading and cross-voting. The Congress, which is in power in the state, has been accused of using muscle and money power in previous bypolls. This latest controversy could further damage its image ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.
Next Steps
The Election Commission is likely to take cognizance of the audio clip. If proven genuine, it could lead to a notice to Khan and possibly the Congress party. Political analysts believe that the issue may dominate the state's political discourse in the coming days.
