Home Secretary says ‘sting video’ controversy is just a teaser, full picture yet to emerge

Home Minister Priyank Kharge at a media conference at Aiwan-e-Shahi Guest House in Kalaburagi on Sunday. | Photo credit: ARUN KULKARNI

Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Sunday said the developments revealed so far in the alleged sting video controversy targeting former chief minister Siddaramaiah were only a “teaser” and claimed that the full picture was yet to emerge as investigations were still on.

“Investigators have found technical evidence linking people associated with Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries HD Kumaraswamy with the acquisition and handling of a mobile phone linked to the spread of the alleged spot video,” Mr Kharge said at a media conference at Aiwan-e-Shahi Guest House in Kalaburagi on Sunday.

“This is not based on mere hearsay; it is hard evidence, technical evidence and irrefutable evidence that a Union minister is indulging in such dirty politics and activities to defame senior leaders like Mr. Siddaramaiah, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge and our party. They should be ashamed of themselves,” Mr. Kharge said without elaborating on the stage.

Criticizing Mr Kumaraswamy for shifting the blame for the ‘sting operation’ to others, Mr Kharge said: “First they said Mr Shivakumar engineered the ‘sting operation’. Then they said someone else did it and the blame fell on them – and even on me. Then they said AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge did it.”

“We have remained silent to protect the confidentiality of the investigation and ensure that the dignity of Mr. Siddaramaiah, the party and the Chief Minister is not compromised. When the time comes for the people of the state to know the facts, all will be revealed. This is just a teaser; the full picture is yet to come,” he said.

Strongly condemning personal attacks and caste-based slurs allegedly directed at him and his family in the wake of the controversy, Mr Kharge said political differences should not be used as a pretext to target individuals and their families.

Referring to Mr. Kumaraswamy’s demand for an inquiry, Mr. Kharge said those who called for action should cooperate with the investigating officers rather than question the process when people associated with their political circle were called for an inquiry.

“If they have done nothing wrong, they should appear before the investigating officers and give their statements,” he said, adding that no one is above the law or the constitution.

Published – 01 Nov 2026 20:58 IST