The principal Opposition in Karnataka — the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) — opted out of Karnataka Legislative Council by-elections scheduled to be held on October 4.

The ruling Janta Dal Secular-Congress coalition fielded its candidates for three vacant posts on Monday — the last day for filing nominations.

The Congress party fielded two candidates — MC Venugopal and Naseer Ahmad, while the JD(S) fielded Ramesh Gowda. To elect a candidate, party needs 112 votes. The ruling coalition has a combined strength of 118 votes, including two independents.

As alleged by the Congress, the BJP is in talks with a few disgruntled MLAs to topple HD Kumaraswamy-led coalition government.

The Congress is on a high alert and spent the day holding parley with disgruntled MLAs.

The party has roped in the All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary in-charge of Karnataka KC Venugopal to speak to disgruntled MLAs and sort the issues. Former chief minister Siddaramaiah, deputy chief minister Dr G Parameshwara, KPCC president Dinesh Gundurao, KPCC working president Eshwar Khandre, Water Resources Minister DK Shivakumar are also pitching in to address the demands of disgruntled MLAs.