Bengaluru, Apr 12 (IANS): With the Lok Sabha polls nearing, the battle between Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and JD-S state chief and former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy to secure the support of their influential Vokkaliga community is raging on.

In a major development on Thursday, Shivakumar stated that the phone-tapping of seer Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji of Adichunchanagiri Math, revered by the Vokkaliga community is a known matter.

"There are records to prove it. We know this. It hurts to talk about it. All documents are available regarding the matter. But, discussing the issue is not appropriate now. I will talk about it in future," he said media persons sought his reaction to the statement of Agriculture Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy on this matter.

Cheluvarayaswamy who joined the Congress from the JD-S, stated that during the tenure of Kumaraswamy as Chief Minister, the phone of Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji was tapped.

The allegations that Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji’s phone was tapped along with others during the coalition government led by Kumaraswamy had stirred a huge controversy in the state. Kumaraswamy had, however, ruled out any involvement.

The issue being raised as the elections approach is expected to evoke a strong response from the community, even as Kumaraswamy is trying to woo the Vokkaliga votes, which Shivakumar had managed to tilt towards his party.