Allegations of horse trading within the Congress party have surfaced, with claims that party leaders are offering substantial sums of money and luxury perks to Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in exchange for their support for the crucial post of Chief Minister (CM). The Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, has dropped a bombshell, accusing senior Congress leaders of unethical practices to secure political power.
In a press briefing held in Bengaluru, Narayanaswamy alleged that each Congress MLA is being offered a bribe of Rs 50 crores, along with a flat and a Fortuner, as part of a horse-trading scheme aimed at securing their loyalty. Narayanaswamy’s claims suggest that bargaining over ministerial posts is taking place amid a factional struggle within the party, particularly between supporters of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy, D.K. Shivakumar.
“Information has come to light that some MLAs are being promised 50 crores, flats, and Fortuner cars in exchange for their support,” Narayanaswamy stated, adding that some MLAs were demanding even higher amounts. “Some are asking for 75 to 100 crores to secure their position, but they are being offered only 50 crores. The trade is taking place, with promises of luxury cars and flats as part of the deal,” he said.
ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ನಲ್ಲೇ ಕುದುರೆ ವ್ಯಾಪಾರ – ಒಬ್ಬೊಬ್ಬರಿಗೆ 50 ಕೋಟಿ, 1 ಫ್ಲಾಟ್, ಫಾರ್ಚುನರ್ ಕಾರ್ ಆಫರ್ ನಡೀತಿದೆ: ಛಲವಾದಿ ಬಾಂಬ್
– ಮಂತ್ರಿ ಸ್ಥಾನ ಬೇಕಾದ್ರೆ ಸುರ್ಜೇವಾಲಗೆ 200 ಕೋಟಿ ಕೊಡಬೇಕಂತೆ; ಆರೋಪ https://t.co/J8psQbkbqq#ChalavadiNarayanaswamy #Congress #BJP #DKShivakumar #Siddaramaiah
— PublicTV (@publictvnews) November 23, 2025
While horse trading among rival political parties is not uncommon, these new revelations suggest that such practices are now reportedly taking place within the Congress party itself, with key players allegedly trying to secure support to gain control of the CM chair. Narayanaswamy’s accusations add fuel to the fire of ongoing tensions within the Congress party, which is already grappling with internal divisions between the factions led by Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.
The allegations have raised serious questions about the ethical practices of Congress leaders, particularly in light of the party’s ongoing struggle to finalise its leadership following the state election. According to Narayanaswamy, the horse-trading operation is largely being carried out by senior party figures seeking to strengthen their position by wooing MLAs from opposing factions. He claimed that the dealings are taking place between two major factions in the Congress party—one supporting Siddaramaiah for the CM post and the other backing Shivakumar.
In a startling accusation, Narayanaswamy specifically targeted Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala, claiming that Surjewala is at the centre of the alleged horse-trading operation. “Surjewala has reportedly started this business. If a ministerial berth is to be secured, an MLA has to pay 200 crores to Surjewala. It is alleged that MLA Virendra Pappi has already given an advance,” Narayanaswamy stated. He demanded that Surjewala be arrested immediately and that a full investigation be conducted into the matter.
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