Karnataka Minister KBG alleges Kumaraswamy orchestrated sting video to target Siddaramaiah

Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda on Monday alleged that Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy was the "mastermind" behind the alleged sting video controversy.

In a post on X, he accused Kumaraswamy of attempting to tarnish a former chief minister's reputation while simultaneously shifting the blame to Chief Minister Shivakumar.

Addressing the issue, Byre Gowda claimed Kumaraswamy's social media team was directly involved in the video's release and alleged the operation was carried out from the Union minister's official residence in New Delhi. He further alleged that financial transactions linked to the exercise had also taken place.


Calling it political intrigue, the minister said the alleged attempt aimed at achieving two objectives: damaging the image of a former chief minister and portraying Siddaramaiah as responsible for it.

Byre Gowda said the episode reflected a worrying trend in public life, where political rivals increasingly focused on conspiracies and character assassination rather than governance and public service. He questioned whether elected representatives should devote their time to political vendettas instead of addressing people's concerns.

"Accusations and criticism are part of public life. But when political conspiracies become the primary occupation of leaders, it is the people who ultimately lose," he said.

The remarks come amid an intensifying political war between the ruling Congress and the opposition JD(S)-BJP alliance over the alleged sting video, with both sides trading charges over its origin and intent.

The controversy has triggered a fresh round of political sparring in Karnataka, with Congress leaders accusing their opponents of orchestrating a smear campaign, while the opposition has sought to link the episode to the ruling Congress.