Bengaluru: Karnataka Water Resources Minister N. Chaluvarayaswamy has hit back at Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy over allegations surrounding an alleged sting operation targeting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, challenging him to seek a Central government investigation if he has evidence.

Questioning the basis of the allegations, Chaluvarayaswamy asked whether Siddaramaiah would orchestrate such an operation and objected to the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar being dragged into the controversy without clear evidence.

“If a sting operation has taken place, action must be taken against whoever is found guilty. If an investigation is required, it can even be conducted by the CBI,” he said.

Chaluvarayaswamy countered Kumaraswamy by referring to the Hassan pen-drive controversy involving former JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna. He said Kumaraswamy should file a formal complaint if he had information about those responsible for circulating the pen drive.

Questioning Kumaraswamy’s sympathy over the controversy, the minister said the impact on the women allegedly victimised in the case and the hardships faced by their families should also be considered.

Chaluvarayaswamy alleged that the sting operation controversy was being used to tarnish Siddaramaiah’s reputation and create confusion within the Congress.

“What evidence is there to substantiate the allegations against Siddaramaiah? One cannot simply accept a statement as the truth just because someone has been brought forward to make it,” he said.

He also expressed suspicion about the JD(S)’s role but did not cite specific evidence in support of the allegation.

Chaluvarayaswamy said the Cabinet could discuss the issue at its next meeting, with the Chief Minister deciding whether an investigation was necessary.

“The CBI functions under the Central government. If they have the courage, let them get this sting operation investigated by the Central government itself,” he said.

The allegations remain to be established through an official investigation or independently verified evidence.