Bengaluru, 8 October

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said on Thursday that attempts were made to trap him shortly after he became CM. His comments come after Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy alleged that Shivakumar was the “master” of “sting operations” and had run a campaign to usurp former chief minister Siddaramaiah. 

“I have all the evidence” of attempts to trap me, Shivakumar told reporters in New Delhi. “I know who the godfather behind this is, who is providing financial support and how the entire operation was planned.” 

He did not name any individual, but said he would reveal everything in due course. 

Days earlier, Shivakumar had warned his Cabinet colleagues about the possibility of “sting operations” being conducted against them. 

Ministers backed Shivakumar’s claims, while BJP State President BY Vijayendra accused the Congress of "having a history of such operations".

“Perhaps the Chief Minister has received information that some people or agencies are planning to conduct sting operations,” Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara said. “That's why he has cautioned everyone to remain vigilant and exercise caution while carrying out their duties. It is possible. There could be a conspiracy.”

Parameshwara, who had served as home minister for eight years, said intelligence reports were routinely received by the CM. 

Home Minister Priyank Kharge, meanwhile, hit back at Kumaraswamy, reminding the JD(S) leader that he was yet to release the “pen drive” that he said had explosive evidence against the Congress. 

Kharge said the Kumaraswamy speaking “without evidence” was sullying the level of political discourse, while backing Shivakumar’s warnings about a sting operation. 

Kumaraswamy hit back, saying that the pen drive was related to the NICE Road.