In embarrassment for Basavaraj Bommai, Karnataka minister says 'we're managing govt, not running it'

"We are not running the government, we are just managing it," Karnataka Law Minister JC Madhuswamy is heard saying in the leaked audio clip.

The law minister later said he was just agreeing with the caller.

"The government is running. I simply agreed to what the other on the call said. It was provocation. Just agreed with him saying 'Yes there's no government'," Madhuswamy clarified.

The comments come amid speculation that Bommai, aged 62, will be replaced mid-term by the BJP in the wake of growing dissatisfaction with his governance.

Five days ago, however, a senior leader said that the BJP will seek another term - the election is due next year with Bommai remaining very much CM.

That assurance was issued by  BS Yediyurappa, the Lingayat strongman who chose Bommai as his replacement when he had to step down in 2021 for various reasons including his age and dissidence in the party.

"Everything is good, there's no trouble," Bommai said Tuesday.

But another senior minister has already called for the law minister's resignation. "I will speak to all concerned, and settle the issue," the Chief Minister said, adding that the damaging comments were made "in the context of the bank demanding interest."