States » SouthPosted at: Oct 17 2026 11:52PM


Kumaraswamy vows street fight after Vijayadashami over sting operation

Bengaluru, Oct 17 (UNI) union Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Saturday mounted a sharp attack on the Karnataka government over the alleged sting operation targeting former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, accusing it of shielding journalist Rakesh Shetty and his associates and vowing to return to the streets after Vijayadashami if police failed to arrest them.
Turning the controversy into a direct political challenge, Kumaraswamy questioned Siddaramaiah’s silence over what he alleged was a conspiracy to tarnish his reputation, asking, “Isn’t your blood boiling over the conspiracy against you, Siddaramaiah?”
Speaking to reporters at the Director General of Police’s office here after submitting a complaint seeking action against Shetty and his associates, the union Minister warned that the agitation would intensify unless the police acted on the allegations.
“I will not let this matter go. Even if Siddaramaiah chooses to let it go, I will resume the agitation after Vijayadashami. We will not rest until those behind this alleged sting operation are arrested,” he said.
Kumaraswamy alleged that the sting operation was aimed at damaging Siddaramaiah’s public image and using the footage for extortion. He questioned why the former Chief Minister, whom he described as someone who never hesitated to confront injustice, had not reacted more forcefully.
“Siddaramaiah has done nothing wrong, yet a video has allegedly been created to tarnish his image and extract money. After seeing all this, isn’t his blood boiling?” he asked.
The union Minister said his complaint detailed alleged illegal activities, extortion under the guise of sting operations, and attempts to intimidate and blackmail politicians, police personnel and government officials. He said he had earlier approached the Bengaluru Police Commissioner and had now taken the matter to the DGP.
The next course of action would depend on the police response, he said, making it clear that the submission of the complaint would not mark the end of the campaign.
Kumaraswamy also sought to distinguish the controversy from his political rivalry with Siddaramaiah, recalling their frequent clashes in the Legislative Assembly. Political differences, he said, could not justify silence over what he described as a conspiracy against a former Chief Minister.
His sharpest criticism was directed at the state government’s alleged failure to act against those accused of conducting the sting operation. He questioned the seriousness of the government’s response and cited what he claimed was a reference to the operation during a Cabinet meeting.
“Can there be anything more shameful than a situation in which the Chief Minister himself speaks about a sting operation targeting ministers during a Cabinet meeting?” he asked.
Kumaraswamy alleged that the operation was intended to keep ministers and legislators under pressure and accused the government of protecting the alleged mastermind. He also questioned the Home Minister’s response, asking what could be expected of the police if the government did not demonstrate the will to act.
“The government is sitting back and polishing the boots of the person accused of carrying out the sting operation,” he charged.
In a sarcastic swipe at the government, Kumaraswamy suggested that the alleged sting operator be considered for the Karnataka Ratna, the state’s highest civilian honour, on November 1, Karnataka Rajyotsava.
“Why not give the Karnataka Ratna to the person who allegedly conspired to bring down Siddaramaiah and create an opportunity for himself to become Chief Minister?” he asked.
Kumaraswamy’s remarks escalated the political confrontation over the alleged sting operation, with the union Minister making the police response a test of whether the state government would act against those named in the complaint. He reiterated that he would lead another round of street protests after Vijayadashami if the accused were not arrested.
UNI BDN
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