BJP leader Arun Jaitley said: “When the channel developed cold feet, the BJP in its wisdom decided to go ahead with the expose in Parliament, leaving the onus of the decision on when and how to hand over the tapes to the authorities with the independent broadcaster.”

Asked why were the tapes not telecast, CNN-IBN Editor-in-Chief Rajdeep Sardesai said: “This was part of an ongoing investigation the channel was doing on horse-trading prior to the trust vote but until evening yesterday we were still verifying leads and filling gaps in the investigation. Sting operations have already come under attack and we understand our responsibility of telling a complete story.”

Speculation is rife on what is in the tapes but BJP leaders claim this is what happened over Monday and Tuesday:

•Monday 11.30 am: After an unnamed “intermediary” approaches the three BJP MPs, party trouble-shooters contact the CNN-IBN. Faggan Singh Kulaste and Mahavir Bhagora are driven to the Le Meridien Hotel, supposedly to meet Congress leader Ahmed Patel. They are wearing button cameras provided by the channel. But there is no sign of Patel in the hotel.

•Monday 1.30 pm: An unnamed “contact” informs the three BJP MPs that SP MP Reoti Raman Singh would meet them at Ashok Argal’s residence at 4, Ferozeshah Road. The drawing room is fitted with bugging devices and the CNN team is listening in an ante-room. Reoti Raman Singh claims Amar Singh is the person who will finalise the deal.

•Tuesday 9 am: Argal and Kulaste go to Amar Singh’s house in Lodi Road. The MPs do not wear button cameras. They are filmed entering and exiting the house.

... contd.