HDK demands probe into alleged sting operation against Siddaramaiah - The HinduPublished - October 12, 2026 09:34 pm IST - BengaluruH.D. Kumaraswamy | Photo Credit: File PhotoUnion Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy on Monday demanded a comprehensive investigation into allegations that a sting operation was conducted to damage the reputation of former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.Speaking to mediapersons in Bengaluru, he said the government must identify those responsible and take appropriate action rather than dismissing the matter by saying that “time will tell everything”, referring to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s response that time would tell everything about the episode.“Who was behind this operation? Who carried it out? The government must answer these questions. Saying that time will tell everything is no substitute for an investigation,” he said.He acknowledged that he had politically opposed Mr. Siddaramaiah on several issues after the Congress-JD(S) alliance ended, but said that was no reason to remain silent if an operation had been conducted to tarnish the former Chief Minister’s reputation. “The issue is that of establishing the truth,” he said.Mr. Kumaraswamy said all aspects of the alleged sting operation should be examined, including claims regarding the involvement of individuals from Uttar Pradesh, a Union Minister or BJP leaders. He also questioned why the person allegedly associated with the operation had been provided police protection and security personnel.Mr. Kumaraswamy further questioned the reported reduction of 16 lakh to 20 lakh beneficiaries under schemes such as Gruha Lakshmi, widow pension, disability pension and old-age pension schemes.Published - October 12, 2026 09:34 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }