Karnataka Minister for Urban Development Yathindra Siddaramaiah on Friday, 23 October 2026, alleged that the sting operation targeting his father, former Chief Minister and Congress Working Committee member Siddaramaiah, was an insider job aimed at tarnishing the veteran leader's image, destroying his 40-year political legacy, and blackmailing him. Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, Yathindra said the purported video itself pointed to the involvement of Congress leaders and a senior media figure, making an investigation into the circumstances of the operation unavoidable.

What the Video Allegedly Shows

Yathindra said the video purportedly indicated the involvement of at least one Congress leader — described as a woman leader — and a senior media personality. He stopped short of naming anyone directly, emphasising that the investigation must first establish the facts. The woman leader in question reportedly spoke in the video about seeking a Congress ticket to contest from the Puttur Assembly constituency, which, according to Yathindra, may have provided the motive for the operation.

'Prima facie, it appears that the sting operation may have been carried out for that reason. But we cannot say that the entire party conspired against us just because one party worker was involved,' he said.

Yathindra's Allegations and Key Quotes

Yathindra was unambiguous in framing the episode as a targeted political attack. 'This sting operation has been carried out to tarnish his image, destroy his legacy and blackmail him. Of course, the video indicates the involvement of our own party leaders and a media head. The investigation should establish whether they did it themselves or whether someone else asked them to do it,' he stated.

He added that his father had been deeply hurt by the circulation of what he described as false reports. 'In his 40 year-political career, my father has never faced charges of this kind. If such allegations emerge at the fag end of his career, it is a matter of sadness. But the truth is on our side, and it will prevail,' Yathindra said.

The Wider Political Context

Yathindra's remarks carry added weight given that Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has alleged the role of Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar in releasing the sting video linked to Siddaramaiah. Shivakumar has categorically denied any involvement and has ordered a separate probe into the matter. The competing allegations point to a deepening factional strain within the ruling Congress dispensation in Karnataka, even as the party publicly projects unity.

Notably, Siddaramaiah has already been at the centre of political controversy in recent months — including a prolonged legal battle over the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) allotment case. Critics argue that the timing of fresh controversies suggests a concerted effort to destabilise his position within the party and the state government.

Police Probe and What Comes Next

Police are investigating the alleged sting operation, including the identities and roles of individuals whose names have surfaced in connection with the video. Yathindra said the probe must determine whether the operation was carried out independently or at the direction of a third party. He expressed confidence that the investigation would ultimately vindicate his father.

On the family front, Yathindra said his mother was currently in Mysuru and was unaware of the full details of the controversy. He said she would be reassured once informed that Siddaramaiah had done nothing wrong. The investigation's findings are likely to have significant implications for the Congress government's internal dynamics in Karnataka in the months ahead.