Ashoka accuses Congress of orchestrating sting operation if FIR is not registered

Bengaluru: Karnataka Assembly Opposition Leader R. Ashoka on Wednesday alleged that Congress leaders could be behind the controversial sting operation linked to former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah if the state government failed to register a First Information Report (FIR) and order a comprehensive investigation.

The controversy has triggered a political confrontation in Karnataka, with leaders of the Congress, BJP and Janata Dal (Secular) trading allegations over who conducted the sting operation, who was targeted and what its real motive was.

Speaking to reporters after participating in the campaign for the Bengaluru Teachers' constituency election to the Legislative Council, Ashoka criticised the Congress government for allowing the controversy to continue without initiating a formal investigation.

He accused the ruling party of damaging the reputation of Karnataka politics through repeated controversies involving alleged sting operations, pen drives and videos. Karnataka had traditionally taken pride in maintaining a political culture different from that of states such as Telangana and Tamil Nadu, he said, adding that the current developments had undermined that image.

Ashoka questioned why the government had not registered an FIR despite Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar reportedly raising concerns about sting operations during a Cabinet meeting and alerting ministers to the issue.

“If the Opposition is responsible for the sting operation, the Chief Minister should register an FIR and order an investigation,” Ashoka said, insisting that the government should move beyond public statements and take concrete action.

He also questioned the role of the Home Department and asked why an investigation had not been initiated suo motu. Referring to Minister Priyank Kharge's repeated references to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Ashoka said such statements could not substitute for an investigation into the allegations.

The Opposition leader said Siddaramaiah had reportedly lodged a complaint seeking an investigation into the circulation of a video allegedly associated with him. He demanded that investigators establish who recorded the video, who circulated it and whether any political leader was involved.

Ashoka alleged that the operation was intended to politically damage Siddaramaiah and weaken his Ahinda-based political support. He also claimed that several ministers were facing allegations connected with the controversy and were attempting to distance themselves from the matter.

According to Ashoka, the government's failure to register an FIR would strengthen suspicions that Congress leaders themselves were behind the operation. He warned that continued inaction would further damage the state's political reputation.

The controversy has taken a fresh turn with leaders from different parties offering conflicting explanations about the alleged operation. Ashoka demanded an impartial investigation to establish the facts and identify those responsible.

However, his allegation that Congress leaders orchestrated the sting operation remains unproven. The question of who was behind the recording and its circulation can be established only through an investigation.

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Coovercolly Indresh

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