Karnataka Minister Challenges Kumaraswamy to Initiate CBI Probe into Sting Operation Controversy

Bengaluru, October 14 (Daily Kiran) : Bengaluru witnessed a heated exchange on Wednesday as Karnataka’s Water Resources Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy launched a strong attack on Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy regarding an ongoing sting operation controversy. Cheluvarayaswamy questioned the allegations against Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, challenging Kumaraswamy to initiate an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Kumaraswamy had accused Shivakumar of orchestrating a sting operation aimed at former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. In response, Cheluvarayaswamy raised doubts about why Shivakumar would target a senior leader within his own party. He sarcastically asked, “Has Shivakumar lost his mind to conduct a sting operation against his own senior party member? People are fed up with his behavior.”

The minister criticized Kumaraswamy, asserting that despite being a central minister, his statements did not reflect a sense of responsibility. He questioned the relevance of the sting operation to the general public, stating that if any wrongdoing is uncovered, the government will not remain silent.

“Should any such operation have taken place, responsible individuals will face action, and an investigation will follow. If the sting operation targets anyone, the central government has the CBI to conduct an inquiry,” he affirmed.

Cheluvarayaswamy accused Kumaraswamy of unnecessarily politicizing the sting operation issue. He also claimed that Kumaraswamy showed undue sympathy towards former Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna. Reflecting on their long political association, he expressed disappointment that Kumaraswamy had resorted to such low-level politics. “We have shared a political journey for years. While political differences are natural, I never expected him to stoop this low. He wakes up every morning to discuss such issues. It seems there must be an end to this, but how that will happen is beyond our control.”

Defending Siddaramaiah, Cheluvarayaswamy highlighted the latter’s political journey, leadership, and public life, questioning whether any solid evidence existed to tarnish his image. “Siddaramaiah’s history is not comparable to Kumaraswamy’s. If Siddaramaiah’s past were similar to Kumaraswamy’s, we would accept it. We are willing to acknowledge our mistakes, including Siddaramaiah’s,” he stated.

He further alleged that political leaders could be provoked into making statements against each other. He raised the question of why such allegations had not surfaced when Siddaramaiah previously held the position of Chief Minister. Cheluvarayaswamy accused Kumaraswamy of creating confusion within the Congress party and attempting to damage Siddaramaiah’s reputation through what he termed a “drama of a sting operation.”

“Who else could orchestrate this apart from the JD(S)? When Siddaramaiah was ousted from the party or ridiculed repeatedly, Kumaraswamy showed no concern. Now, where is this sudden sympathy coming from?” he questioned.

When asked if the state cabinet would discuss the controversy, Cheluvarayaswamy mentioned that if the issue comes up in the next cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister and all ministers would decide on the next steps. He indicated that the state government would consider an investigation if necessary but reiterated Kumaraswamy’s challenge to initiate a probe through the central government.

“Isn’t the central government more powerful than ours? If they have the courage, let them request a CBI investigation into this sting operation,” he concluded.