Yathindra Siddaramaiah has alleged possible links to party-associated individuals, while investigators examine the footage’s origins.
BENGALURU A disputed video presented as a sting operation has created new questions within the Karnataka Congress after Urban Development Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah suggested that people associated with the party may have had a role in recording or circulating material aimed at his father, former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Yathindra said the episode raised questions about possible involvement by individuals linked to Congress. He suggested it could relate to an attempt by a party worker to obtain a Congress ticket for the Puttur Assembly constituency in the 2023 elections, while cautioning against attributing one person’s actions to the entire party.
Siddaramaiah has called the footage fabricated and intended to damage his reputation. He filed a police complaint on October 6 seeking action against those responsible for its creation and circulation. A Bengaluru civil court later issued an interim injunction restricting publication or broadcast of the material.
Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president B. K. Hariprasad said a show-cause notice would be issued to a party spokesperson allegedly connected to the video. Such a notice provides an opportunity to respond and does not itself prove wrongdoing. Cybercrime investigators are examining the video’s creation and distribution, including questions about its authenticity and whether any unlawful activity occurred.
The controversy has also drawn comments from opposition figures, including JD(S) leader H. D. Kumaraswamy, who has called for an investigation. Reports of tensions between Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar have added to the political discussion, but the supplied material does not establish responsibility for the alleged operation. Investigative findings will be needed to determine what happened.