Bengaluru: Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has demanded that Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar clarify who is responsible for allegedly tarnishing the image of Congress leaders amid the ongoing controversy over a purported sting operation.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Kumaraswamy responded to Shivakumar’s allegation that the JD(S) was attempting to damage the reputation of Congress leaders through a sting operation. He said the Chief Minister had also reportedly told the Congress high command in Delhi that the JD(S) was unnecessarily targeting party leaders.
“The Chief Minister himself must answer who is damaging the reputation of Congress leaders. He should clarify who is behind this sting operation,” Kumaraswamy said.
He further alleged that an individual operating a channel under the guise of a media organisation frequently meets the Chief Minister. Kumaraswamy claimed that allegations had emerged about the individual obtaining information from Shivakumar concerning matters that could damage the image of Congress leaders. However, he did not present independent evidence to substantiate the allegations.
Referring to statements by former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his son Yathindra Siddaramaiah, Kumaraswamy said Yathindra had also expressed suspicions about members of his own party.