New Delhi/Bhopal: Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh on Monday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of trying to poach MLAs at Rs 25-35 crore and bring down the Congress government in the state.

“Shivraj (Singh Chouhan) is dreaming of becoming the chief minister and Narottam Mishra his deputy. Those who looted the state for 15 years are now luring Congress MLAs with Rs 25 crore to 35 crore. The first installment would be of Rs 5 crore, while the second would be paid after Rajya Sabha nominations. The final one would be paid after the state government is brought down,” Singh claimed.

However, unlike Karnataka, MLAs “are not for sale in Madhya Pradesh”, said Singh. “I never level any allegations without proof,” he added.

The remarks came close on the heels of the BJP starting its preparations for Rajya Sabha nominations as the assembly session gets underway from March 16.

Responding to the allegations, Leader of Opposition Gopal Bhargav said, “No one is in touch with me and those who wish to act on their conscience are most welcome. If he (Singh) has proof, let him furnish it publicly.”

Meanwhile, BJP state head VD Sharma began preparations to chalk out the strategy for Rajya Sabha nominations in Bhopal by summoning all the leaders to the party office as the outfit is no mood to offer a walkover to the Congress for the third seat.

Several BJP leaders in the past have expressed sympathy with Jyotiraditya Scindia, who is vying for a Rajya Sabha nomination.

Chouhan rebutted, saying, “No one can read his (Singh’s) mind, which remains engaged in bizarre things.”