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The comments come as the Congress government completes two-and-a-half years in office, a point that has revived ongoing talk about a power-sharing arrangement.
BJP leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy (Credits: IANS)
The political climate in Karnataka heated up on Sunday after senior BJP leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy claimed that internal groups within the ruling Congress were trying to “buy” their own MLAs with cash, property and high-end vehicles. His remarks come at a time when speculation over a possible change of chief minister has resurfaced.
Narayanaswamy alleged that Congress leaders linked to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar were involved in “open horse-trading” as they attempted to strengthen their respective camps. According to him, the offers being discussed had touched extraordinary figures.
“More than infighting, trading is happening in Congress,” he told reporters.
“Earlier, we heard Rs 50 crore was being offered to each MLA. Now the bargaining has gone up. But the confirmed offer I’ve heard is Rs 50 crore plus a flat and a Fortuner. This must be investigated,” he added.
The comments come as the Congress government completes two-and-a-half years in office, a point that has revived ongoing talk about a power-sharing arrangement — a claim party leaders publicly deny, but one that continues to stir internal friction.
Targets Surjewala, Seeks ED Probe
Narayanaswamy intensified his attack by naming Randeep Singh Surjewala, the AICC general secretary in charge of Karnataka. He alleged that Surjewala was “doing business” with leaders seeking cabinet positions and claimed that demands for money had gone as high as Rs 200 crore.
He also referred to the case involving MLA KC Veerendra ‘Puppy’, arrested by the Enforcement Directorate, alleging that he had “paid an advance”.
“Surjewala should be arrested. He is doing business for ministerial posts,” Narayanaswamy said, adding that he intended to write to the Enforcement Directorate about the matter.
‘Congress Leaders Intoxicated By Power’
He further accused the Congress of “misusing public money to purchase MLAs” and said the ruling party was behaving with arrogance because it enjoys the support of around 140 legislators. He warned that the BJP would respond politically if this continued.
“The BJP will not sit quietly if the Congress government continues indulging in horse-trading while ignoring people’s concerns,” he said, noting that the party’s next steps would be decided by state president BY Vijayendra, Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka and other senior leaders.
Narayanaswamy also criticised Congress’s Dalit leaders, saying they “lack the guts” to push for a Dalit chief minister. “If you have the guts, take the CM post. Don’t mislead people with statements. Congress is like slow poison for Dalits. It has done injustice to Ambedkar,” he said.
The Congress has not yet responded to his allegations.
Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can follow her…Read More
Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can follow her… Read More
Karnataka, India, India
November 23, 2025, 20:26 IST
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