Karnataka sting op row: Siddaramaiah moves Bengaluru court, BJP accuses Congress of betrayal
Synopsis
The Karnataka sting operation row has crossed from politics into the courts — former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has sought a judicial injunction against allegedly defamatory clips, while the BJP's R. Ashoka seized the moment to drive a wedge inside the Congress, accusing the party of having 'used and discarded' its own senior leader. The case now has a potential FIR dimension, and the court's response will set the tone for what comes next.
Key Takeaways
Siddaramaiah filed a petition before the Additional City and Sessions Court (CCH-18) in Bengaluru on 13 October , seeking an injunction against allegedly defamatory audio and video clips.
He also sought a formal investigation into the reported sting operation.
BJP Leader of Opposition R.
Ashoka accused Congress of betraying Siddaramaiah, saying the party had 'used and discarded him.' Former MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal had earlier alleged that Siddaramaiah was forced to resign as Chief Minister through blackmail.
Kumaraswamy has also commented publicly on the alleged sting operation.
BJP has demanded an immediate FIR and accused the Congress government of neglecting Karnataka's drought crisis and farmers.
Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Congress Working Committee member Siddaramaiah on Tuesday, 13 October approached a Bengaluru court seeking an injunction against the circulation and broadcast of allegedly defamatory audio and video clips linked to a reported sting operation, as the political controversy in Karnataka intensified. Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka responded sharply, accusing the Congress party of having 'used and discarded' Siddaramaiah.
What Siddaramaiah Filed in Court
Siddaramaiah filed a petition before the Additional City and Sessions Court (CCH-18) in Bengaluru, seeking a court order to restrain the further circulation and broadcasting of audio and video clips allegedly containing defamatory content about him. Along with the injunction request, he also sought a formal investigation into the matter. The court was expected to take up the petition on Tuesday itself.
Background: How the Controversy Unfolded
The controversy follows allegations by former BJP leader and MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, who claimed that Siddaramaiah was compelled to resign as Chief Minister through blackmail. Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy has also publicly commented on the alleged sting operation, adding weight to the political row. Siddaramaiah had stepped down as Chief Minister earlier amid a separate controversy, and these fresh allegations have reignited scrutiny over the circumstances of his exit.
What BJP's R. Ashoka Said
Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, Ashoka said he was making his remarks 'with a heavy heart and against his own wishes.' He noted that Siddaramaiah had surpassed the record of former Chief Minister D. Devaraj Urs and had even sacrificed the Chief Minister's post.
'Today, it is Congress that has caused Siddaramaiah the distress of having to approach the court. This is an ungrateful and deceitful Congress that has stabbed him in the back. They have brought him to such a miserable situation where he has to approach the court seeking a stay order. They have used and discarded him,' Ashoka alleged.
He further demanded that an FIR be registered immediately in connection with the alleged sting operation and the clips in question.
BJP Widens Attack on the Congress Government
Ashoka broadened his criticism beyond the sting row, alleging that the Congress government had been neglecting pressing state issues — particularly a severe drought and the difficulties faced by farmers. He claimed that farmers were reportedly returning even the meagre financial assistance provided by the government, while the ruling party remained consumed by the sting controversy.
The BJP leader also targeted Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, alleging that he had spent more time in Delhi than in Karnataka since assuming office. 'Without even the slightest concern for the people of the state, they are busy discussing who got the sting operation conducted,' Ashoka said.
What Happens Next
The Additional City and Sessions Court is expected to hear Siddaramaiah's petition, with the outcome likely to determine whether the clips can continue to circulate. The demand for an FIR adds a potential criminal dimension to what has so far been a political controversy. How the Congress leadership responds — and whether it distances itself from or rallies behind Siddaramaiah — will be closely watched as Karnataka politics enters a fresh period of turbulence.
Point of View
Ashoka has chosen to cast him as a victim of his own party, a framing designed to deepen intra-Congress fault lines ahead of local body elections. The deeper question the mainstream coverage skirts is why a sitting Opposition demand for an FIR has not been acted upon, and who, if anyone, orchestrated the alleged sting. Siddaramaiah's legal move provides a measure of relief but also risks keeping the controversy alive longer than a quiet resolution might have. For the Congress, the challenge is no longer just managing Siddaramaiah — it is managing the perception that the party protects its power structures at the cost of its own veterans.
NationPress
13 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Siddaramaiah moved the Bengaluru court?
Siddaramaiah filed a petition before the Additional City and Sessions Court (CCH-18) in Bengaluru on 13 October, seeking an injunction against the circulation and broadcasting of audio and video clips he alleges are defamatory and linked to a reported sting operation. He has also requested a court-ordered investigation into the matter.
What is the alleged sting operation in Karnataka about?
The details of the alleged sting operation have not been fully confirmed, but former BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal claimed it was used to blackmail Siddaramaiah into resigning as Chief Minister. Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has also spoken about the alleged sting publicly, though the full contents of the clips remain disputed.
What did BJP's R. Ashoka accuse Congress of?
BJP Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka accused the Congress party of betraying Siddaramaiah, alleging the party had 'used and discarded him' and pushed him into the position of having to seek court relief. He also demanded that an FIR be registered immediately in connection with the alleged sting operation.
Who else is implicated in the Karnataka sting row?
Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and former MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal have both made public statements about the alleged sting operation. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has also been targeted by the BJP, which alleges he has spent more time in Delhi than managing Karnataka's issues.
What happens next in the Karnataka sting controversy?
The Additional City and Sessions Court is expected to hear Siddaramaiah's petition, and its ruling will determine whether the clips can continue to be circulated. The BJP's demand for an FIR adds a potential criminal dimension to the controversy, and the Congress leadership's response to both the legal proceedings and internal criticism will be closely watched.
