Bengaluru, 23 Nov 

Alleging 'horse-trading' between factions within the ruling Congress, BJP leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy on Sunday claimed that Rs 50 crore, a flat and a car were being offered to MLAs to win them over.

Accusing AICC General Secretary in charge of Karnataka, Randeep Singh Surjewala, of "doing business" by allegedly seeking Rs 200 crore from ministerial aspirants, Narayanaswamy demanded a probe and said he planned to write to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on the matter.

"More than infighting, trading is happening in Congress," Narayanaswamy told press in the City. "At first, we heard Rs 50 crore was being offered to each MLA. Now the bargaining has increased—some are demanding Rs 75 crore, others up to Rs 100 crore. But the offer of Rs 50 crore plus a flat and a Fortuner car is what I have been told.”

He said that horse-trading was earlier heard of between rival parties but is now occurring within the Congress itself.

"There are multiple factions in Congress, but the big two are led by the CM and the Deputy CM. I have heard that both sides have begun trying to buy MLAs from each other," he said.

The Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council claimed that MLA KC Veerendra 'Puppy', who was arrested in an ED case recently, had apparently paid an advance.

“Surjewala should be arrested. He is doing business for ministerial posts," he claimed. Hitting out at Dalit leaders in the Congress, Narayanaswamy claimed they "lack the guts" and only make statements.

"If you (Congress Dalit leaders) have the guts, take the CM post. Don’t mislead people with mere statements. Congress is like slow poison for Dalits. It has done injustice to Ambedkar," he claimed.