Kumaraswamy Leads Protest Over Sting Operation as Congress Workers React

Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy led a padyatra with hundreds of Janata Dal (Secular) workers to the office of Director General and Inspector General of Police M.A. Saleem in Bengaluru on Saturday. Kumaraswamy submitted a memorandum demanding the arrest of those responsible for a sting operation targeting former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. He criticized Home Minister Priyank Kharge's stance on the matter and questioned why police had not acted against an individual linked to the controversy who has had pending non-bailable warrants since 2013-14.

In response to Kumaraswamy's remarks, Congress workers and members of Dalit and progressive organizations protested in Mandya. Protesters blocked the old Bengaluru–Mysuru highway at Sanjay Circle and formed a human chain to condemn what they described as personal attacks against Home Minister Kharge. Mandya district Congress president Kumar Koppa stated that such remarks were unbecoming of a Union Minister.

While Kumaraswamy expressed disappointment over Siddaramaiah's lack of response to the video's contents, Congress protesters warned of an intense statewide agitation if the criticism against Kharge continues. The Janata Dal (Secular) indicated it would determine further action following the upcoming festival.