Karnataka Agriculture and Kodagu District In-charge Minister P.M. Narendra Swamy on Sunday declared that the truth behind the sting operation controversy would soon surface, raising pointed questions about who was shielding the accused and why Delhi Police were allegedly obstructing the investigation. His remarks, made on the sidelines of the 71st Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations at the District Police Parade Ground in Madikeri, were a direct broadside at Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy.

Minister's Charge Against 'Great Leader'

Narendra Swamy stopped short of naming Kumaraswamy explicitly but left little to inference. 'The investigation into the sting operation is underway. Who is the great leader who made sensational statements after returning from the United States? Towards whose residence in Delhi is the investigation progressing? Why are the Delhi Police not allowing the investigation? Whom are the police protecting, and what is the background behind all this? The truth will soon come out,' he said.

He further alleged that the person who engineered the controversy was now getting 'caught in the trap he had created,' citing a statement by Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh as substantiation for his claims.

Key Evidence Flagged by Police Commissioner

In a significant development on the same day, Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh stated that investigators had found evidence suggesting a mobile phone was exchanged at the residence of Union Minister Kumaraswamy in connection with the alleged sting operation case. The disclosure marks a notable escalation in what had until recently been a politically charged, but largely claim-driven, dispute.

Notably, this is the first time a senior law-enforcement official has publicly linked a specific piece of evidence to the Union Minister's Delhi residence, adding institutional weight to the ruling Congress's political offensive.

Opposition Accused of Targeting Congress Unity

Narendra Swamy used the occasion to mount a broader attack on Karnataka's Opposition, accusing it of attempting to drive a wedge between former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. 'The Opposition has resorted to the audacity of character assassination in an attempt to create differences between Siddaramaiah and D.K. Shivakumar and cause a split within the ruling party,' he said.

He also criticised Kumaraswamy for making what he called 'uncultured' remarks rather than engaging with governance issues such as fund allocation or development shortcomings, arguing that democratic power must not be misused for personal attacks.

Other Key Announcements at Rajyotsava Event

On the question of official recognition for the Kannada flag, Narendra Swamy said the Karnataka government had unanimously decided to send a proposal to the Centre seeking its formal recognition. The addition of a new colour and emblem to the flag, he said, would be deliberated during the upcoming Legislative Assembly session.

Addressing the recent hike in milk and curd prices, the Minister defended the Cabinet decision by pointing to rising cattle-feed costs and financial stress among dairy farmers. He said the hike was calibrated to benefit farmers and women engaged in dairy farming while avoiding an 'excessive burden' on consumers.

On protests against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Delhi, he said the INDIA alliance was fighting to protect every citizen's right to vote and opposing what it described as the misuse of investigating agencies.

What Comes Next

With the Bengaluru police investigation now reportedly closing in on a Union Minister's Delhi residence, the sting operation controversy is poised to intensify in both the courts and the political arena. The Karnataka government is expected to press the Centre for a response on whether Delhi Police will cooperate with state investigators — a flashpoint that could draw national attention in the coming days.