Kumaraswamy calls Karnataka CM Shivakumar 'sting samrat', demands judicial probe
Synopsis
Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy did not mince words at a Bengaluru press conference on Thursday — branding Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar the 'sting samrat', invoking BJP MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi's 2024 remarks, and demanding a judicial probe free from political interference. The broadside signals a sharp escalation in JD(S)-Congress hostilities in Karnataka.
Key Takeaways
Kumaraswamy called Karnataka CM D.K.
Shivakumar a 'sting samrat' at a press conference in Bengaluru on 15 October 2026 .
Kumaraswamy linked the charge to a 2024 statement by BJP MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi suggesting videos of political leaders could surface.
He warned Home Minister Priyank Kharge against targeting him without evidence and rebutted a 'brain mapping' jibe.
Kumaraswamy demanded an impartial judicial enquiry into the alleged sting operation, free from political interference.
He advised former CM Siddaramaiah to face the allegations rather than seek a court stay.
Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Thursday, 15 October 2026, launched a sharp attack on Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar at a press conference in Bengaluru, dubbing him a 'sting samrat' and alleging he misused political influence to act with impunity. Kumaraswamy, who also serves as Janata Dal (Secular) State President, simultaneously trained his fire on Home Minister Priyank Kharge over the ongoing investigation into an alleged sting operation, warning both leaders against targeting him without evidence.
The 'Sting Samrat' Allegation
Kumaraswamy grounded his charge in a statement he attributed to former minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi, who had reportedly suggested in 2024 that videos involving other political figures — including former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and former Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara — could surface, drawing a parallel to the controversy surrounding former MP Prajwal Revanna. Kumaraswamy alleged that Jarkiholi's remarks had indirectly targeted Shivakumar.
'That is why I called Chief Minister Shivakumar the 'sting samrat'. The Chief Minister's mindset is a matter of concern. I humbly appeal to the people to take note of this,' Kumaraswamy alleged.
Swipe at Priyank Kharge Over Sleep Remark
Kumaraswamy also responded pointedly to Home Minister Priyank Kharge's suggestion that he undergo brain mapping to verify whether he slept at night. 'I can fall asleep within two minutes after finishing my work. You people are unable to sleep because you are worried about the IT Department and the Enforcement Directorate. I have nothing to worry about,' he said. He added that a period of sleeplessness during illness had since resolved, which he attributed to God's blessings.
Denies Jealousy Over Chief Minister's Post
Pushing back against insinuations that he coveted Shivakumar's position, Kumaraswamy noted he had already served as Chief Minister and had no desire to reclaim the role. He accused Indian National Congress (INC) leaders of mounting daily attacks on him to curry favour with Shivakumar. 'If you think that criticising me will make Chief Minister Shivakumar happy, you can abuse me even more. You have been doing it every day,' he said.
Demand for Impartial Judicial Enquiry
Kumaraswamy reiterated a call for an impartial judicial enquiry into the alleged sting operation, insisting that the probe must proceed free from political interference and that neither he nor his party workers should face targeting without evidence. He also disclosed he had advised former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah against seeking a court stay in the matter, urging him instead to confront the allegations head-on.
Delhi Engagements and Return
The Union Minister noted he had returned to Bengaluru late at night after official duties in Delhi, including discussions on automobile components and the West Bengal tea garden issue. He framed the press conference as a direct response to criticism that had mounted in his absence, and closed with a pointed reminder that political power was not permanent and that those in office would ultimately be held accountable for their actions.
Point of View
Coming immediately after his Delhi stint, signals that the JD(S) intends to keep the pressure on the Congress-led government rather than go quiet. What the exchange with Priyank Kharge over 'brain mapping' reveals is that the political temperature in Karnataka is running high enough for cabinet-level figures to trade personal taunts in public. The demand for a judicial probe may be principled or tactical, but either way, it puts the Congress on the spot: if it resists, it appears to have something to hide; if it agrees, it cedes the narrative.
NationPress
15 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Kumaraswamy call CM Shivakumar 'sting samrat'?
Kumaraswamy alleged that Shivakumar misused political influence to act without restraint, linking the label to a 2024 statement by BJP MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi suggesting that compromising videos of political leaders, including Siddaramaiah and G. Parameshwara, could emerge — similar to the Prajwal Revanna controversy. Kumaraswamy argued this statement had indirectly targeted Shivakumar.
What is the alleged sting operation that Kumaraswamy referred to?
Kumaraswamy referred to an ongoing investigation into an alleged sting operation in Karnataka, the precise details of which are still under probe. He demanded an impartial judicial enquiry into the matter, insisting that political interference must be kept out and that no one should be targeted without evidence.
What did Kumaraswamy say about the 'brain mapping' remark?
Kumaraswamy was responding to Home Minister Priyank Kharge's suggestion that he undergo brain mapping to verify whether he slept at night. Kumaraswamy said he could fall asleep within two minutes, and suggested it was Kharge and others who were sleepless out of fear of the IT Department and the Enforcement Directorate.
Did Kumaraswamy say he wants to become Chief Minister again?
No. Kumaraswamy dismissed insinuations that he was jealous of Shivakumar's elevation, stating he had already served as Chief Minister and was not seeking the post again. He accused Congress leaders of criticising him daily to please Shivakumar.
What did Kumaraswamy advise former CM Siddaramaiah?
Kumaraswamy advised Siddaramaiah against seeking a court stay in connection with the allegations he faces, urging him instead to confront them directly. He made this disclosure while addressing the same press conference in Bengaluru on 15 October 2026.
