Kumaraswamy demands fair sting probe, accuses K'taka govt of shielding culprits
Synopsis
Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has gone on the offensive, accusing the Karnataka Congress government of protecting the key figure in a sting operation case while demanding an impartial probe. He also revealed that former CM Siddaramaiah has complained to Rahul Gandhi about attempts to defame him — suggesting a significant fault line within the ruling party itself.
Key Takeaways
Kumaraswamy on 3 November 2026 accused the Karnataka Congress government of shielding culprits in the sting operation case.
Kumaraswamy demanded a 'fair and transparent' investigation, saying he has no objection to any impartial probe.
He alleged former CM Siddaramaiah had complained to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi about attempts to defame him within his own party.
Kumaraswamy attacked the government over a recent milk price hike and a proposed bus fare increase , calling them burdens on common citizens.
He predicted that Congress would lose Karnataka in the 2028 Assembly elections due to public anger over governance.
Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, accused the Karnataka government of protecting those responsible in the sting operation case, while reiterating his demand for a fair and transparent investigation. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Kumaraswamy alleged that the Congress-led state government was deliberately avoiding action against the key individual behind the controversy.
Kumaraswamy's Core Allegations
'I had advised this government on the very first day that it could conduct any kind of inquiry or investigation, but it must be fair and transparent. Give the responsibility to any officers and conduct whatever investigation you want. We are looking forward to a fair and transparent investigation. But everyone knows what is happening. They do not want to take action against the person behind this and are protecting that individual,' Kumaraswamy alleged.
The Union Minister expressed confidence that the sting operation case could not be turned against him, saying he had no objection to any probe as long as it was conducted impartially. He has previously maintained that the controversy was politically motivated.
Siddaramaiah Factor: A Congress Fault Line
Kumaraswamy also weighed in on the political tensions surrounding former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, alleging that the Congress leadership had leveraged Siddaramaiah's political strength to win the state but was now attempting to sideline him.
'According to me, they have used his strength to come to power in Karnataka. Now they do not want his strength or his work. He has expressed that if this situation continues, he will not participate in any future elections or work towards strengthening the Congress party in the state,' Kumaraswamy said.
He further claimed that Siddaramaiah had raised these concerns directly with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday, explaining how attempts were being made to defame him. 'We will have to wait and watch whether this government takes appropriate action on his complaint or acts in accordance with the directions Rahul Gandhi may give,' Kumaraswamy added.
Fresh Attack Over Milk Prices and Bus Fares
Broadening his critique, Kumaraswamy targeted the state government over a recent hike in milk prices and a proposed increase in bus fares, alleging that both moves placed an undue financial burden on ordinary citizens. He pointed out that the government had raised milk prices last week and was now planning to revise bus fares upward.
'Because this government has looted money and has no money left to loot further, it is now preparing to put the burden on the entire population of Karnataka,' he alleged. The remarks represent his sharpest public broadside against the Congress administration in recent weeks.
2028 Elections and Political Consequences
Kumaraswamy predicted that voters in Karnataka had already resolved to remove the Congress government from power in the 2028 Assembly elections. 'The people of Karnataka have already decided to throw this dirty government out of power in the 2028 elections,' he said, projecting that Congress would face significant political fallout over its governance record.
This comes amid a broader opposition offensive against the ruling Congress in Karnataka, with multiple fronts — ranging from the sting operation controversy to cost-of-living pressures — being cited by critics to build an anti-incumbency narrative ahead of the next election cycle.
Point of View
The alleged Siddaramaiah-Congress leadership friction, and rising cost-of-living grievances into a single narrative, he is laying the groundwork for a coalition-friendly opposition pitch ahead of 2028. The more revealing detail, however, is his claim that Siddaramaiah has gone directly to Rahul Gandhi with complaints about his own party: if accurate, it signals that the Congress government in Karnataka may be grappling with internal contradictions that no external opposition attack could manufacture. The milk and bus fare hikes give that narrative a populist edge that could resonate beyond urban voters.
NationPress
3 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the sting operation case involving H.D. Kumaraswamy?
The sting operation case is a controversy in Karnataka in which Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has been mentioned. Kumaraswamy denies wrongdoing and has demanded a fair and transparent probe, alleging that the Congress-led state government is protecting the individual behind the sting rather than investigating impartially.
Why does Kumaraswamy say the Karnataka government is shielding culprits?
Kumaraswamy alleges that the Congress government has deliberately avoided taking action against the key person responsible for the sting operation, suggesting political motivations. He has called on the government to appoint impartial officers and conduct a transparent investigation.
What did Siddaramaiah reportedly tell Rahul Gandhi about Karnataka Congress?
According to Kumaraswamy, former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday and conveyed concerns about attempts to defame him within the party. Siddaramaiah reportedly warned that if the situation continued, he would not participate in future elections or work to strengthen Congress in Karnataka.
What price hikes in Karnataka has Kumaraswamy criticised?
Kumaraswamy criticised a recent increase in milk prices and a proposed hike in bus fares by the Karnataka government. He alleged these decisions placed an additional financial burden on common citizens and reflected a government that had mismanaged state finances.
What is Kumaraswamy's prediction for the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections?
Kumaraswamy claimed that voters in Karnataka have already made up their minds to remove the Congress government from power in the 2028 Assembly elections. He alleged the party would face significant political consequences for its governance record.
