Sting Operation a BJP-JDS Plot to Tarnish Siddaramaiah, Says Minister Tangadagi
Karnataka Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi claims a sting operation is a BJP-JDS conspiracy to tarnish CM Siddaramaiah's image.
Karnataka Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi has launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Janata Dal (Secular), alleging that the recent sting operation conspiracy allegations are a calculated move to damage the reputation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Speaking on Saturday in Koppal, the Minister dismissed the controversy as a desperate attempt by political rivals who cannot tolerate the CM's track record of governance.
A Conspiracy of 'Lack of Sleep'
Tangadagi asserted that the BJP and JD(S) are working in tandem to malign Siddaramaiah, but insisted that their efforts would ultimately fail. He highlighted that the Chief Minister has delivered significant results during his two terms, which he believes has left the opposition feeling powerless.
Taking a sharp dig at Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, Tangadagi suggested that the rise of DK Shivakumar within the Vokkaliga community has caused unrest in the opposition camp. He claimed that Kumaraswamy is "unable to sleep" due to the fear that a strong Vokkaliga leader might lead the state for the next five years, leading him to manufacture new issues daily to distract the public.
Dismissing the Sting's Validity
Addressing the content of the sting operation, the Minister questioned its authenticity and the eligibility of those involved to speak against Siddaramaiah. He argued that anyone can be brought into a recorded conversation and their name used to create a narrative.
"Bad people publicise bad things. Is it wrong to say be careful? What was told to ministers is true," Tangadagi remarked, defending the caution advised by the Chief Minister.
On the Demand for Investigation
When questioned about the demands for a formal probe into the matter, Minister Tangadagi clarified that the government is not opposed to an investigation. However, he emphasized that the decision regarding the agency—whether the CBI or a Special Investigation Team (SIT)—rests solely with the Chief Minister.
He expressed strong confidence in the state's law enforcement, stating that Karnataka's police officers are "number one" in conducting investigations and that the government knows exactly how to handle the process without blindly following external demands.
Allegations of Political Stooping
The Minister further claimed that the opposition is terrified of a future where elections are fought under the joint leadership of DK Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah. He denied any "blackmail" against the CM, instead attributing such tactics to the BJP, JD(S), and HD Kumaraswamy.
Tangadagi lamented the level to which the opposition has "stooped" to target a leader who, he claims, has always practiced politics based on principles.
Attack on Central Governance and Protests
Expanding his critique to the national level, Tangadagi accused the current central government of undermining democratic rights. He alleged that those in power label protesters as "Pakistanis" or "Bangladeshis" when they voice dissent, while only accepting them as "Indians" if they remain silent.
He specifically mentioned the "cockroach party," stating that while the opposition seeks the support of the youth during elections, they brand those same youths as "bad" or "foreign agents" when they demand justice. He concluded by stating that the people and the youth of the country are now ready to "send them home."