D.K. Shivakumar Warns Cabinet of Sting Operations Amid Political Feud

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar warned his cabinet ministers during a Tuesday meeting to remain vigilant against potential sting operations. Holding the Intelligence portfolio, Shivakumar presented a file detailing ongoing operations and the names of targeted ministers, advising them to avoid private meetings with strangers. Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara and Minister H.C. Balakrishna confirmed the warning, with Balakrishna suggesting that Janata Dal (Secular) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy is attempting to undermine the Chief Minister.

Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy responded by alleging that Shivakumar orchestrated a sting operation in May 2026 to force former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to resign. Kumaraswamy claimed the Indian National Congress high command confronted Siddaramaiah with the operation in New Delhi, pressuring him to quit in a humiliating manner as part of a systematic conspiracy to install Shivakumar as Chief Minister. He further asserted that Shivakumar uses honey traps and sting operations to control current ministers and has previously targeted the Deve Gowda family.

Bharatiya Janata Party leaders also criticized the move, with Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka and MLC C.T. Ravi claiming the warnings were an attempt to teach ministers how to avoid being caught in corruption rather than urging honesty. Former Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda added that Shivakumar likely fears that ministerial corruption will eventually reflect poorly on his own leadership.