It has been more than 24 hours since India Today Television aired the sting on the 'Rajya Sabha Bazaar'. The special report exposed how MLAs in Karnataka asked Rs 5-10 crore to vote in favour of candidates who are contesting Rajya Sabha elections.

Since the special report was aired, there has been a deluge of reactions from people including former election commissioners, current chief election commissioner and political parties. But the most shocking reaction of all came from former prime minister and Janata Dal (Secular) chief HD Deve Gowda.

Deve Gowda, speaking exclusively, asked if India Today thought it can clean up the political system? The former prime minister thought that the sting was a political conspiracy against his small party. He also asked what was the big deal in his party members asking for money to vote. MLAs need money to fight elections, he said.

Here are 5 quotes from his interview:



"Don't unnecessarily go on harassing as if you are going to clean up the system in this country." "In this country politics itself involves corruption." "I was waiting, because I have got patience. People should not think that Deve Gowda has taken harsh decisions." "What is your (India Today's) intention and all those who are on panel discussion?" "They think that JD(S) can be destroyed by this type of foul method?"

Here's the full report and panel discussion:

