Congress leaders accused of conspiracy against Siddaramaiah

Kuruba leader Bailappa Nelogi (right) addresses a press conference in Kalaburagi on Monday. | Photo credit: ARUN KULKARNI

Senior Kuruba community leader Bailappa Nelogi accused the Congress of keeping quiet about the operation involving former chief minister Siddaramaiah, saying it was part of a conspiracy to tarnish his image and force him out of the party.

At a press conference in Kalaburagi on Monday, Mr. Nelogi said several Congress leaders who benefited politically from Mr. Siddaramaiah are keeping quiet to protect their positions in the government and the party.

He urged the Congress high command to take cognizance of sentiments within the Kuruba community and warned that the perceived sidelining of Mr. Siddaramaiah could have political ramifications in the 2028 Assembly elections.

Mr. Nelogi credited Mr. Siddaramaiah, whom he described as an AHINDA leader, for the Congress’s electoral performance, saying the party had won 122 seats in the 2013 Assembly elections and 135 seats in 2023 under his leadership.

He said efforts were now being made to undermine Mr. Siddaramaiah and warned that the community and people of the state would give the party a befitting reply in the next assembly polls.

Komaram Bheemgond Kuruba Samaj district unit president Basavaraj Madraki has called for brain mapping testing of Power TV CEO Rakesh Shetty and Congress leader Kripa Alva.

He said these tests should be conducted to establish the facts surrounding the sting operation. He also demanded a thorough investigation into the sting operation and strict legal action against those found responsible for the conspiracy.

Published – 26 Oct 2026 21:50 IST