A political storm is brewing in Karnataka as a Congress MLA has alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is threatening 55 of its legislators. The MLA, Vijayanand Kashappanavar, claimed that the BJP is using the threat of raids by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to intimidate Congress MLAs. Kashappanavar stated that BJP agents have been sent to threaten them, promising to expose them, but he asserted his readiness to face any kind of raid. He further alleged that the central agencies stop targeting Congress MLAs if they switch to the BJP.

In response to these allegations, the BJP has asserted that it will remain in power in Karnataka in 2028 without needing to poach MLAs.

This development occurs amidst existing political tensions within Karnataka. Recent reports have highlighted potential shifts in the state's political landscape. A survey indicated a significant shift in voter preferences, with the BJP projected to secure a 51% vote share, a 10.7% lead over the Congress. This projection marks a reversal from the 2023 Assembly elections, where the Congress had secured a higher vote share.

Furthermore, there have been reports of internal disagreements within the Congress government. Earlier this year, Congress MLA Raju Kage threatened to resign, citing administrative collapse and stalled development works in his constituency. Kage's accusations, coupled with similar claims by fellow Congress legislator B.R. Patil regarding corruption in government housing schemes, were seized upon by the BJP as evidence of the Congress government's failure.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has publicly asserted that he will remain in office for the full five-year term. This statement comes amidst speculation of a power-sharing agreement between Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. Siddaramaiah has also indicated that he would lead the party in the 2028 Assembly elections. However, there are reports that another Karnataka MLC A.H. Vishwanath said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will be changed in November/December and either D. K. Shivakumar or Mallikarjun Kharge will become the chief minister.

Adding another layer of complexity, BJP MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi had previously accused the party's Karnataka chief, B.Y. Vijayendra, of "anti-party activities" and threatening Dalit legislators. These internal conflicts within both major parties contribute to the prevailing sense of political instability in the state.

The allegations of the BJP threatening Congress MLAs, coupled with internal dissension and shifting political preferences, suggest a potentially turbulent period ahead for Karnataka's political scene.