The political temperature in Karnataka spiked on Sunday after senior BJP leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy alleged that rival factions inside the ruling Congress were attempting to “buy” their own MLAs with cash, property and luxury cars amid renewed speculation over a change of chief minister.

Claiming that Congress leaders were engaged in “open horse-trading”, Narayanaswamy said offers had reportedly touched Rs 50 crore, a flat and a Fortuner, and in some cases escalated to Rs 75–100 crore, as groups loyal to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar supposedly try to outmanoeuvre each other.

“More than infighting, trading is happening in Congress,” Narayanaswamy told reporters. “Earlier we heard Rs 50 crore was being offered to each MLA. Now the bargaining has gone up. But

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