H.D. Kumaraswamy questions D.K. Shivakumar’s silence on sting operation, seeks probe

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy on Sunday (October 11, 2026) questioned Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s failure to initiate an investigation into the alleged sting operation targeting five Karnataka Cabinet Ministers, demanding that the details be made public.

Seeking a probe into the alleged sting operation, the JD(S) leader asked, “Why have you remained silent despite having information about the sting operation? Why is no investigation being conducted?”

Speaking to reporters after attending the 123rd birth anniversary celebrations of ‘Lok Nayak’ Bharat Ratna Jayaprakash Narayan at the JD(S) headquarters, JP Bhavan, Mr. Kumaraswamy said there was information about an alleged sting operation involving five Cabinet Ministers and questioned why no action had been taken if wrongdoing had occurred. He demanded that the Chief Minister disclose who was behind the operation, who had summoned the individuals involved and instructed them to conduct it, and what evidence had been gathered.

Mr. Kumaraswamy also sought details of an alleged meeting Mr. Shivakumar held with an unidentified person at a private hotel in Vasanthnagar two or three days before a Cabinet meeting.

“The Chief Minister himself has said that an attempt was made to conduct a sting operation against him. Who did he meet at the hotel, and what files were handed over to him? He must disclose the details,” the JD(S) leader said.

Referring to reports of an alleged sting operation involving a senior Congress leader, Mr. Kumaraswamy questioned who was behind the operation and why the truth was being concealed. He called for a thorough investigation, alleging that a leader who had helped revive the Congress had subsequently been sidelined.

He also referred to speculation within the Congress about efforts to remove former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah from office. Mr. Siddaramaiah was a member of the JD(S) before joining the Congress.

“He should not be treated disrespectfully after his services have been used. Do not tarnish the State’s reputation for the sake of power or money,” Mr. Kumaraswamy said.

He described the alleged sting operation as a serious matter and accused the State government of covering it up despite several leaders, including the Home Minister, being aware of it.

Questioning Home Minister Priyank Kharge’s position that an investigation would be initiated only after a formal complaint was filed, he asked how many cases had been investigated in the past without such a complaint.

Mr. Kumaraswamy also criticised the Hassan Deputy Commissioner over alleged irregularities in the recruitment of Assistant Executive Engineers by the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), referring to an affidavit submitted before the court promising suspension in connection with the case.

On the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, he said officials involved in the exercise were employees of the State government and that appropriate action should be taken if irregularities were established, instead of misleading the public.