Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy on Saturday, 10 October 2026, demanded a formal investigation into the sting operation controversy gripping Karnataka, while directly questioning Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar over the absence of action against those responsible. Kumaraswamy raised pointed questions about who orchestrated the sting targeting former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who leaked the footage, and who is shielding those involved.

Key Demands and Questions Raised

Speaking to the media after offering prayers at the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Mavinkere, Haradanahalli, Kumaraswamy said the episode had become a political scandal that demanded answers. 'Something has been circulating for the past few days, and it has now been brought up again. Who did this? Who conducted the sting operation? Is this a joke? Have you turned politics into a game?' he asked, directing his remarks squarely at the ruling Congress leadership.

He further questioned the identity, profession, and backers of the person who allegedly carried out the sting against Siddaramaiah. 'Who conducted the sting operation against Siddaramaiah? Who is he, and what is his profession? What action has been taken against him so far? Who is behind him under the cover of the media, and who is protecting him? Why is all this being done, and who released the video?' Kumaraswamy said, blaming Congress for what he called 'the unhealthy political atmosphere.'

Shivakumar's Earlier Claims and BJP's Allegation

Chief Minister Shivakumar had recently alleged that an attempt was made to trap him through a sting operation after he assumed office, adding that he possessed photographs and documents to back his claims. Separately, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA B. Basanagouda Patil Yatnal alleged that Siddaramaiah had been 'blackmailed and threatened' over a personal matter, leaving him 'voiceless' and compelling him to resign — an allegation that has not been independently verified.

The Pen Drive Flashpoint

The controversy gained another layer when Congress MLA Ganiga Ravi publicly displayed a pen drive, apparently echoing Kumaraswamy's own past tactic. Kumaraswamy was quick to draw a distinction: his earlier pen drive, he clarified, related to alleged irregularities in the transfer of engineers in the Irrigation Department during a period when Shivakumar served as the minister. 'They are trying to imitate my style, but they cannot do it under any circumstances. Let us see whether they will pursue it for a week or even a year,' he said.

NICE Project and Local Administration Criticism

Kumaraswamy also renewed his attack on the NICE infrastructure project, accusing the company of violating court orders and the Framework Agreement, and alleged that farmers had been deprived of their land as a result. He said neither Shivakumar nor the company had responded to the documents he had placed in the public domain. He additionally criticised the Hassan Deputy Commissioner over alleged past irregularities and her handling of the Ganesh idol immersion arrangements, urging better coordination between the district administration and police. 'How can the administration function if they do not coordinate with each other? Such behaviour is not appropriate,' he said.

Political Context

This comes amid a charged political climate in Karnataka, where the Congress government is already facing pressure over the MUDA scam allegations against Siddaramaiah. Kumaraswamy, who leads the Janata Dal (Secular) — a key ally of the BJP at the Centre — has consistently positioned himself as a watchdog against the state administration. Notably, Siddaramaiah served as Chief Minister for eight years and built a strong grassroots support base, making any controversy around him politically consequential for the Congress.