Yathindra Siddaramaiah Alleges Insiders Behind Sting Operation Targeting Father, Calls for Probe

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, Yathindra said the video purportedly indicated the involvement of some Congress leaders and a senior media figure. He stressed that the ongoing police investigation must establish whether those involved acted independently or at someone else's direction.

“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 said.

However, Yathindra said he did not suspect any particular individual and maintained that the investigation should determine the facts.

Congress leader's alleged role under scrutiny

Asked about the purported involvement of Congress members, Yathindra referred to a woman party leader whose alleged role was indicated in the video. He said she had reportedly spoken about seeking a Congress ticket to contest from the Puttur Assembly constituency.

“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.

The minister emphasised that the investigation should establish the circumstances behind the operation and determine whether anyone had directed or coordinated it. The allegations against the individuals mentioned have not been independently established.

Yathindra says controversy has hurt Siddaramaiah

Yathindra said his father was upset by the circulation of reports and allegations that he described as false, particularly given Siddaramaiah's long political career.

He noted that the Chief Minister had spent nearly 40 years in politics without facing allegations of this nature and said the emergence of the controversy at this stage of his career had caused distress.

“Whenever serious allegations surface against anyone, they will naturally be saddened. 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. The investigation will bring out the truth,” he said.

Yathindra also spoke about his mother's reaction, saying she was in Mysuru and was not fully aware of the details. He expressed confidence that she would be reassured once she was informed of his father's position.

Political controversy intensifies as police probe continues

Police are investigating the alleged sting operation, including the possible involvement of people whose names have surfaced in connection with the video.

The controversy has also drawn allegations from Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, who claimed that Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had a role in releasing the video linked to Siddaramaiah. Shivakumar has denied the allegation and ordered an investigation into the matter.

Yathindra reiterated that the police inquiry should establish who was behind the operation and whether it was carried out independently or at the direction of others.