Bengaluru, Oct 14 — Karnataka Opposition Leader R. Ashoka on Wednesday alleged that if an FIR was not registered in connection with the sting operation controversy involving former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, it would confirm that Congress leaders themselves were behind it.
Speaking to reporters after campaigning for NDA candidate A.P. Ranganath in the Bangalore Teachers' Constituency of the Legislative Council, Ashoka accused the Congress of bringing Karnataka politics into disrepute through the alleged circulation of pen drives and sting operation videos.
He said the Chief Minister should immediately order an investigation instead of merely issuing statements. Questioning the silence of the Home Department, he demanded that an FIR be registered and the appropriate investigating agency be identified.
Ashoka said Siddaramaiah had also filed a complaint seeking an investigation into the circulation of the video and demanded that the person behind the sting operation be identified.
“If this is not investigated, the honour of the state will be auctioned. The alleged operation was intended to finish Siddaramaiah politically and put an end to AHINDA politics,” he alleged.
Claiming that allegations had surfaced against 10 ministers, Ashoka said they were denying involvement in the controversy. He alleged that the delay in registering an FIR had fuelled suspicions that Congress leaders were involved.
Ashoka expressed confidence that the BJP-led NDA would win all four seats in the upcoming Legislative Council elections, citing the campaign undertaken by party leaders, including Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy.
He said he had campaigned for Ranganath in Anekal, where the constituency has around 1,600 voters. Describing the NDA candidate as an active member of the lawyers' association, Ashoka said his victory would help facilitate development.
He also alleged that Congress leaders had betrayed Siddaramaiah, causing disappointment among members of the AHINDA community, and claimed that the controversy would affect the party's electoral prospects.
Criticising the D.K. Shivakumar-led government, Ashoka alleged that development had stalled and drought relief for farmers was inadequate. He said the Rs 2,500 assistance provided to farmers was insufficient and claimed that several beneficiaries had not received their pensions.
He also criticised the increase in milk prices, arguing that the government should fulfil its manifesto promise of providing a milk incentive instead.
Ashoka further accused Rahul Gandhi of insulting Kannadigas over an alleged incident involving Shivakumar in Delhi and demanded an apology.
Questioning the proposed division of Bengaluru into five administrative units and the possible inclusion of Anekal in the municipal corporation, he alleged that the move was driven by real estate interests. He urged the government to defer the decision until after the elections.