Congress Demands Probe into Alleged Sting Targeting Karnataka CM
The Congress high command has requested a Karnataka government investigation into alleged sting operations targeting Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and Kerala counterpart V D Satheesan, following Shivakumar's claim of a suspicious meeting with a businessman wearing Meta AI glasses.
Congress has asked the Karnataka government to launch a high-level investigation into alleged sting operations targeting Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and Kerala's Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan. The request from the party's high command follows Shivakumar's public allegations that a businessman attempted to record political discussions using smart glasses.
Shivakumar's Allegations and Evidence
Chief Minister Shivakumar claims a businessman met him under suspicious circumstances. The individual, who had secured an appointment through officers, wore Meta AI smart glasses. Instead of discussing business, the conversation focused on political strategies and electoral psephology. Shivakumar stated he grew suspicious of the man's face and the glasses he was wearing, prompting him to ask for an inquiry into the businessman's background.
Shivakumar said the same businessman also met Kerala's V D Satheesan. He noted that the individual did not meet other leaders like N Chandrababu Naidu or Union ministers. Shivakumar, who mentioned that thousands of people meet him daily, asserted he can read faces and determine people's intentions based on his long experience.
Evidence and Procedural Concerns
The businessman took Shivakumar to an ante-chamber and opened his laptop during their meeting. This action, combined with the wearing of camera-equipped glasses during meetings with senior ministers, has raised significant ethical concerns. Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge stated that wearing such devices while meeting the chief minister or cabinet ministers is unethical.
The issue first came to light after Shivakumar warned his Cabinet colleagues about attempts to trap them using sting operations. He claimed to have credible information about these attempts and advised his ministers to be cautious, stating he did so as the head of the family. Shivakumar asserted he knows who is behind the operations and who is financing private agents to conspire against him.
Political Fallout and Accusations
The Congress high command's request for an investigation came after Shivakumar's detailed allegations. However, the claim has drawn criticism from political opponents. Union Minister and JD(S) state president H D Kumaraswamy accused Shivakumar of being the 'master' of sting operations himself. Kumaraswamy alleged Shivakumar orchestrated a campaign to oust former chief minister Siddaramaiah.
Shivakumar has previously alleged a sting attempt during a visit to Delhi a fortnight ago. He stated that precautionary measures have been taken regarding the alleged operations. In a recent interview, Shivakumar provided specific details about the suspicious meeting. He said, "An officer had fixed an appointment for a businessman to meet me. He took me to the ante-chamber and opened his laptop."
Shivakumar stated he possesses all the documents to support his claims and will disclose the information when the time comes, pending the outcome of the requested investigation.
