Karnataka sting operation row escalates as Kumaraswamy demands probe into CM Shivakumar’s claims

A political controversy over alleged sting operations targeting Karnataka ministers has intensified, with Union Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Kumaraswamy demanding an investigation into the claims made by Chief Minister D K Shivakumar. The row has drawn in Congress leaders, the state BJP chief and ministers, with questions mounting over who is allegedly behind the operation and whether the government will order a probe.

The controversy began on October 8, when Shivakumar warned his Cabinet colleagues during a meeting that attempts were being made to trap them through sting operations. He claimed he had been targeted since becoming chief minister and said he possessed evidence to support his allegations.

“They are trying to start with me. I have all the proof. I occupy a position of responsibility and I don't speak carelessly. This all started after I became CM,” Shivakumar said.

He cautioned that other ministers could also be targeted and claimed to know who was organising and financing the alleged operations. However, he declined to identify those involved, saying there was no need to disclose the details at that stage.

Congress MLA flashes pen drive, alleges BJP links

The controversy escalated on October 9, when Congress MLA Ravikumar Ganiga displayed a pen drive and claimed to possess evidence that a Union minister and a Karnataka BJP leader were financing the alleged sting operations.

Ganiga said he would release the documents within a week. His claims added to the political tension, with opposition leaders questioning Shivakumar’s allegations and demanding that the government establish who was behind the alleged operation.

Kumaraswamy questions delay in ordering probe

On Monday, Kumaraswamy questioned why the Karnataka government had not ordered an investigation despite the chief minister’s claims that he possessed evidence of the alleged operation.

His demand followed Shivakumar’s statement on Sunday that “time will answer all this”. Kumaraswamy had also alleged that the chief minister held a lengthy meeting at a five-star hotel in Bengaluru with a person purportedly linked to the sting operations. He sought an investigation into the alleged attempts to target Cabinet ministers.

“When will that time come? Will it simply descend from above? I saw the statement yesterday that time will answer. It is not time that has to answer. The state government must investigate what is happening and explain why a probe has not been ordered so far,” Kumaraswamy said.

The JD(S) leader argued that an investigation was necessary to establish the facts and identify those responsible.

Siddaramaiah also calls for truth to emerge

Former chief minister and Congress veteran Siddaramaiah also called for clarity over the alleged sting operations, acknowledging that he was aware of them.

“I am aware that they are doing sting operations but shouldn't the truth be known as to who is doing it?” he asked.

Kumaraswamy cited Siddaramaiah’s remarks to reinforce his demand for an investigation, questioning why the government had not acted despite the former chief minister’s statement.

“The truth must come out. Through an investigation, it must be established who is behind this. Former CM Siddaramaiah himself has said this. Why are you sitting quietly? What difficulty do you have in ordering an investigation?” he said.

Satish Jarkiholi says CM issued a warning, not an allegation

Amid the escalating row, Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi sought to clarify Shivakumar’s remarks, saying the chief minister had warned ministers about the possibility of being trapped rather than claiming that a sting operation had already taken place.

“Shivakumar did not say that it [sting operation] has happened. He said it could happen in the future and that they could trap us by luring us with money or other things. He advised us to be careful and be wary of those who might trap us,” Jarkiholi said.

He added that Shivakumar had not named anyone in his warning and had only cautioned ministers about a possible attempt to entrap them.

BJP chief warns of political fallout

Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra also weighed in on Monday, saying state politics had never deteriorated to such a low level. He alleged that recent developments were eroding public respect for politicians.

“Everything will come out in the coming days. This is political immorality. Those who have indulged in such wrongful activities will face the consequences,” Vijayendra said.

With allegations and counter-allegations continuing, the controversy remains centred on the identity of those allegedly behind the sting operations, the evidence claimed by Shivakumar and Ganiga, and Kumaraswamy’s demand for a formal investigation. No findings establishing responsibility have been presented in the claims outlined so far.