Karnataka CM Shivakumar cautions Cabinet Ministers over alleged sting operations
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has warned his Cabinet colleagues to remain vigilant against possible sting operations, amid reports that private agencies could be secretly recording Ministers' conversations, meetings, and movements. The alert was issued during the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, with Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara and Minister H.C. Balakrishna confirming the warning. Parameshwara told reporters that Shivakumar, who holds the Intelligence portfolio, had cautioned Ministers based on information he had received.
Shivakumar reportedly presented a file containing details of alleged ongoing sting operations to the Cabinet, including names of Ministers purportedly being targeted. Ministers were advised to exercise heightened caution in their interactions and to be wary of meeting strangers privately or allowing themselves to be photographed with unfamiliar persons. The warning underscores growing concerns within the state government over potential surveillance activities targeting Cabinet members.
Minister Balakrishna linked the alleged sting operations to JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy, accusing him of attempting to damage the Chief Minister's political standing through various campaigns. The allegation reflects broader political tensions, with Balakrishna questioning why similar concerns were not raised during the previous Congress government under Siddaramaiah.
