New Delhi, May 18: Amid the ongoing political turmoil in Karnataka,  the Congress unit of Karnataka released audio clip in which Janaradhana Reddy is allegedly trying to lure Congress MLA from Raichur Rural by offering him money.

Using their official Twitter handle,  @INCKarnataka, the party tweeted saying, " Congress released an Audio clip where BJP leader Janaradhana Reddy is trying to lure Congress MLA from Raichur Rural by offering money and posts" The tweet further mentioned that Janaradhana Reddy clearly says he has the backing of BJP President Amit Shah for doing horse trading!

Earlier, former BJP minister Reddy had spent three years in jail over several charges of corruption and illegal mining listed by the CBI.  The brothers, including Janardhana Reddy and their aides, were among the key accused in the alleged illegal mining racket between 2008 and 2013 when B S Yeddyurappa briefly served as chief minister till 2011.

However, the former minister has resurfaced in the campaign for the May 12 Karnataka election. To recall, Janardhana Reddy was once known as the man who ran the 'Republic of Bellary' and made a comeback in Karnataka election.

Reddy did not contest the election, but two of his brothers and five associates were given BJP tickets this year for Karnataka Assembly Elections 2018. Out of them, four of them won and Janardhana Reddy's close associate Sriramulu has been touted to become the Deputy Chief Minister of the state.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 18, 2018 07:21 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).