Karnataka BJP demands CBI probe into Congress sting operation row
Synopsis
Karnataka BJP's legislative council opposition leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy has escalated the sting operation controversy by demanding a CBI probe, accusing Congress of sabotaging its own party members — while also dismissing the SIR electoral roll protests as manufactured, and claiming Rahul Gandhi lacks the credentials to lead the country.
Key Takeaways
Chalavadi Narayanaswamy , Karnataka Legislative Council Opposition Leader, demanded a CBI investigation into alleged sting operations linked to Congress leaders on 12 October 2026 .
He accused Congress of orchestrating sting operations against its own party members, alleging the aim was to 'destroy' the party from within.
Narayanaswamy challenged Congress to name any prominent leader whose name was deleted from electoral rolls under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.
He described Congress general secretaries K.C.
Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala as 'two clerks' and claimed Rahul Gandhi lacked the ability to become Prime Minister.
He criticised the opposition's proposed march to the Supreme Court , saying legal remedies must be pursued through proper court proceedings.
Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Karnataka Legislative Council Opposition Leader, on Monday, 12 October 2026, called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the alleged sting operations in Bengaluru, accusing Congress leaders of orchestrating operations against their own party members in a bid to 'destroy' the party from within.
The CBI Demand and Its Context
Addressing reporters in Bengaluru, Narayanaswamy argued that anyone levelling allegations — including the Chief Minister — must show genuine commitment to uncovering the truth rather than issuing vague charges. He called on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to formally write to the competent authority seeking a probe if he was sincere about getting to the facts.
'If Siddaramaiah wants an investigation, let him write to the Chief Minister or the Deputy Commissioner. If he does not trust the CBI, he can opt for another agency. If he genuinely wants the truth to come out, let the matter be handed over to the CBI,' Narayanaswamy said.
He further questioned whether the Chief Minister's reluctance indicated a desire to suppress the truth, alleging that Congress leaders were themselves commissioning sting operations against colleagues within the party.
Electoral Roll Row: BJP Pushes Back
Turning to the controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Narayanaswamy challenged Congress leaders to name any prominent figure whose name had actually been deleted. He pointedly asked whether the names of Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, or Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had been struck off the rolls.
'Whose name has been removed? Bring those names forward, and we will approach the Election Commission to get them included. There is no fire; you are creating the smoke,' he said, dismissing Congress concerns as manufactured outrage.
He also criticised the opposition's proposed march to the Supreme Court over the SIR issue, arguing that parties must pursue legal remedies through proper court proceedings rather than staging demonstrations outside the institution. Narayanaswamy claimed the Chief Justice of India had made it clear that cases should be resolved through petitions and courtroom hearings — not street protests.
Sharp Attacks on Congress Leadership
Narayanaswamy launched a broad offensive against the Congress leadership, alleging that the party was steadily haemorrhaging public support and lacked coherent direction. He claimed that Rahul Gandhi would never become Prime Minister, asserting he 'lacked the ability, maturity and intelligence required for the post,' and suggested Gandhi should consider stepping down as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
In a pointed swipe, Narayanaswamy characterised Congress general secretaries K.C. Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala as 'two clerks,' while describing Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge as the party's nominal senior leadership. He alleged that the Congress and its allies were primarily motivated by retaining power for political and financial benefit, and accused them of fomenting insecurity across the country.
What Happens Next
The BJP's formal demand for a CBI probe raises the political temperature in Karnataka ahead of what analysts expect to be an extended season of legislative skirmishes between the ruling Congress and the opposition. Whether the Siddaramaiah government responds to the CBI demand — or whether the matter escalates to a formal petition — will set the tone for state politics in the weeks ahead.
Point of View
Combined with the 'two clerks' jibe at senior secretaries, signals the BJP is calibrating a sustained narrative offensive ahead of what promises to be a combative legislative session. The SIR counterattack — challenging Congress to name deleted voters — is tactically sharp: it shifts the burden of proof back to the opposition. Whether any of this translates into actual CBI proceedings, however, remains far less certain than the rhetoric suggests.
NationPress
12 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the sting operation controversy in Karnataka?
The controversy centres on alleged sting operations that have triggered political accusations in Karnataka, with senior BJP leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy claiming on 12 October 2026 that Congress leaders are themselves behind operations targeting their own party members. The BJP has demanded a CBI investigation to establish the facts.
Why is the BJP demanding a CBI probe?
The BJP argues that a CBI investigation is necessary to ensure an independent and credible inquiry into the sting operation allegations. Narayanaswamy challenged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to formally request such a probe if he genuinely sought the truth, alleging the Congress government may be trying to suppress the facts.
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls?
The SIR is an exercise by the Election Commission of India to update and revise voter rolls. Congress leaders have protested the process, claiming names are being deleted, but Narayanaswamy dismissed those concerns, challenging the party to produce specific names of affected voters and offering to take the matter to the Election Commission.
What did Narayanaswamy say about Rahul Gandhi?
Narayanaswamy claimed that Rahul Gandhi would never become Prime Minister, alleging he lacked the ability, maturity, and intelligence required for the post. He also suggested Gandhi should resign as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
What is the BJP's position on the opposition's march to the Supreme Court?
Narayanaswamy criticised the proposed opposition march to the Supreme Court over the SIR issue, arguing that legal remedies must be pursued through proper petitions and courtroom proceedings. He cited the Chief Justice of India's remarks that cases should be resolved inside the courtroom, not through protests outside the institution.
