HD Kumaraswamy Alleges CM DK Shivakumar Used ‘Sting Operation’ to Oust Siddaramaiah

By Political Bureau | Bangalore Mail

Bengaluru | Published: October 8, 2026

BENGALURU: Union Minister and JDS leader HD Kumaraswamy triggered a fresh political storm in Karnataka on Wednesday, alleging that Chief Minister DK Shivakumar used a secret “sting operation” to force his predecessor, Siddaramaiah, out of the Chief Minister’s office.

Addressing reporters at the JDS headquarters in Bengaluru, Kumaraswamy claimed that Congress leaders themselves revealed to him how Shivakumar allegedly submitted covertly recorded footage to the party’s high command in New Delhi to unseat Siddaramaiah.

The startling allegation comes on the heels of reports that Chief Minister Shivakumar warned his Cabinet colleagues during an official meeting to stay alert against potential covert recordings targeting state ministers.

‘Delhi Summit Was a Trap Based on Covert Tapes’

Elaborating on his claims, Kumaraswamy asserted that Siddaramaiah was summoned to New Delhi under the guise of high-level discussions regarding Cabinet expansion. Instead, he was allegedly confronted with secret sting operation footage and pressured to step down.

“Congress leaders themselves told me that Shivakumar became Chief Minister after executing a sting operation and submitting the tapes to the high command,” Kumaraswamy told media persons. “Who conducted the sting, who engineered it, and which media organization was involved are open secrets.”

Kumaraswamy further accused Shivakumar of utilizing intelligence department reports to instil fear among current ministers and keep them under strict political control. He questioned the state administration’s focus, remarking that Cabinet discussions had devolved into debates over “honey traps and sting operations” rather than governance and development.

Cabinet Caution: Shivakumar’s Warning to Ministers

The controversy follows a Cabinet meeting held on October 6, where Shivakumar—who holds the State Intelligence portfolio—cautioned his team to remain vigilant. Senior ministers, including Deputy Chief Minister Dr. G Parameshwara and Municipalities Minister HC Balakrishna, confirmed that the Chief Minister raised the issue.

According to party sources, Shivakumar presented a confidential folder highlighting details of ongoing sting operations allegedly targeting at least five cabinet members, warning that Opposition forces were seeking to defame the ruling government.

Kumaraswamy rejected Shivakumar’s narrative, accusing the Chief Minister of shifting blame onto the Opposition to cover up internal party tactics. He also drew parallels to past political controversies in the state, referencing former minister Ramesh Jarkiholi’s resignation over a tape controversy in 2021 and previous claims of political “honey traps” raised by Congress leader KN Rajanna.

Congress Hits Back: ‘Baseless, Politically Motivated’

The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) swiftly denied the allegations, calling Kumaraswamy’s remarks an attempt to create artificial discord within the ruling party.

KPCC Media and Communication Department Chairman Ramesh Babu issued a statement dismissing the allegations:

 No Truth to Conspiracy: Ramesh Babu stated that Siddaramaiah’s mass political stature and leadership standing rely on public support, not “secret operations or conspiracies.”

 Standard Party Protocols: Congress asserted that leadership changes in the state were carried out through established high-command procedures and internal consensus.

 Political Distraction: The Congress spokesperson accused Kumaraswamy of making sensational statements to appease coalition partner BJP and distract from controversies surrounding his own political career.

As political sparring between the JDS-BJP alliance and the ruling Congress intensifies, the allegations have reignited debates over internal friction within Karnataka’s political landscape.

Key Highlights for Readers

 The Core Charge: HD Kumaraswamy alleges DK Shivakumar used sting operation tapes submitted to the Congress high command to replace Siddaramaiah as CM.

 The Context: Follows Shivakumar’s warning to five state ministers regarding targeted covert recordings.

 Congress Response: Denies claims as “politically motivated,” asserting leadership transitions were made strictly through party consensus.