Sting op row: Narendraswamy tells Kumaraswamy to maintain decorum
Synopsis
The Karnataka sting operation row spilled into a farmers' Dasara event on Friday, as Agriculture Minister Narendraswamy publicly asked Union Minister Kumaraswamy — without naming him — to maintain 'dignity and decorum'. A day earlier, Kumaraswamy had staged a dharna outside the Bengaluru Police Commissioner's office, setting a two-day ultimatum for police action. The government has confirmed a probe is under way.
Key Takeaways
Karnataka Agriculture Minister P.M.
Narendraswamy on 16 October 2026 publicly asked Union Minister H.D.
Kumaraswamy to maintain dignity and decorum while speaking on the sting operation row.
Narendraswamy confirmed that an investigation into the sting operation controversy has begun and said the truth will emerge once it is completed.
The minister said the government will not tolerate criticism or insults directed at Chief Minister D.K.
Shivakumar and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah .
Kumaraswamy staged a dharna outside the Bengaluru Police Commissioner's office on Thursday , securing an assurance from Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh .
Kumaraswamy warned of a fresh protest if police did not act within two days against those allegedly behind the sting operation.
Karnataka Agriculture Minister P.M. Narendraswamy on Friday, 16 October hit back at Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy over his remarks on the sting operation controversy gripping Karnataka, asking him to maintain dignity and decorum while speaking. The minister's sharp rebuke came from Mysuru, where he was inaugurating the Raitha Dasara programme — an agricultural event held during the state's flagship Dasara celebrations.
Narendraswamy's Remarks
Without naming Kumaraswamy directly, Narendraswamy made his target unmistakable. 'He has no work to do. There is no need to respond to everyone who unnecessarily raises issues for discussion. Union Ministers should maintain their dignity and decorum while speaking,' he told the media after the inauguration.
The minister also criticised the political crossfire playing out at what he characterised as a farmers' forum. 'This is a Dasara programme and an event for farmers. Discussions on issues that are not raised anywhere else in the world are taking place here. People are watching everything. First, discuss the problems faced by the people of the state,' he said.
On the Sting Operation Controversy
Referring to the controversy directly, Narendraswamy confirmed that an investigation had been initiated and asserted that the truth would come to light once the probe was concluded. He added that the government would not tolerate what he described as unnecessary criticism or insults directed at Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
What Kumaraswamy Did on Thursday
The remarks followed a day of escalating protests by H.D. Kumaraswamy, the Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, who on Thursday staged a dharna outside the Bengaluru Police Commissioner's office. He demanded a probe into the alleged sting operation targeting former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and alleged that the person behind the operation was enjoying political protection.
Kumaraswamy ended his sit-in after receiving an assurance from Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh, but warned of another protest if police failed to act within two days against those allegedly behind the operation. He had also been targeting Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge, questioning his handling of the controversy.
Raitha Dasara and the Farm Exhibition
Away from the political sparring, Narendraswamy highlighted the purpose of the gathering — a special exhibition organised as part of the Raitha Dasara programme to equip farmers with information on new agricultural practices. He urged farmers to make full use of the exhibition. Notably, the overlap of a political controversy with a flagship farmers' event has drawn attention to the state government's attempts to keep the Dasara narrative on development rather than scandal.
With the sting operation investigation still under way, the confrontation between the ruling Congress dispensation and the Janata Dal (Secular)–BJP combine is expected to intensify in the days ahead.
Point of View
With both sides using public platforms — even a farmers' Dasara event — as political arenas. Narendraswamy's careful refusal to name Kumaraswamy is a studied tactic: it lets the ruling party signal displeasure without elevating the opposition's visibility. But the dharna at the Police Commissioner's office and a two-day ultimatum are harder to ignore — they put procedural pressure on a government that has yet to show its hand on the probe. How the investigation unfolds will determine whether this controversy fades or accelerates into a bigger accountability moment for the Siddaramaiah camp.
NationPress
16 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the sting operation controversy in Karnataka?
An alleged sting operation targeting former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has triggered a political storm in Karnataka, with Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy accusing the state government of shielding those behind it. The state government has confirmed that an investigation is under way, though details of the operation's content have not been officially disclosed.
What did Karnataka Agriculture Minister Narendraswamy say about Kumaraswamy?
Without naming him directly, Narendraswamy said the Union Minister 'has no work to do' and that Union Ministers should 'maintain their dignity and decorum while speaking.' He made these remarks at the Raitha Dasara programme in Mysuru on 16 October.
What action did H.D. Kumaraswamy take over the sting operation row?
Kumaraswamy staged a dharna outside the Bengaluru Police Commissioner's office on Thursday, demanding a probe into the alleged sting operation and alleging political protection for those behind it. He ended the sit-in after Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh gave him an assurance, but warned of another protest if police did not act within two days.
Who are the key figures at the centre of Karnataka's sting operation row?
The key figures include former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who is allegedly targeted by the sting operation; Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar; Home Minister Priyank Kharge, who has been questioned over his handling of the issue; and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, who is leading the opposition charge demanding a probe.
What is the Raitha Dasara programme where Narendraswamy spoke?
Raitha Dasara is a farmers-focused event held as part of Karnataka's annual Dasara celebrations in Mysuru. It features exhibitions on new agricultural practices and is aimed at providing farmers with information on modern farming techniques. Agriculture Minister Narendraswamy inaugurated the programme on 16 October.
