In a recent development in the cash-for-vote scam, an audio tape of a claimed telephonic conversation between Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and nominated Telangana legislator Elvis Stephenson released on Sunday on T News, a Telugu News channel.
Naidu is allegedly speaking with Stephenson in the audio, assuring him of support. Stephenson was nominated as an MLA by his community, just before elections for five seats to the Telangana Legislative Council were held last Monday. According to the audio file, Mr. Naidu is promised the MLA that the commitments given to the latter by his party men would be honoured in toto. He also asked the MLA to take the decision without bothering about the consequences.
“Our people briefed me. I am with you don’t bother. For everything I am with you. What all they spoke we will honour. Really you can decide, no problem at all. For your commitment we will work together,” Naidu was quoted saying.
Telangana Home Minister Nayini Narasimha Reddy had said in Warangal two days ago that the tape containing the alleged conversation between Mr. Naidu and Mr. Stephenson would make be made public when required.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Telangana is planning to send for Naidu to question him in the case.
Telangana TDP legislator A. Revanth Reddy was arrested by the ACB (Telangana) on May 31 for offering Rs.50 lakh to Stephenson to make him vote for TDP-BJP candidate in the elections to Telangana legislative council.