Bengaluru, 23 Oct (H.S): Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah alleged that a sting operation was aimed at blackmailing his father, Siddaramaiah, and damaging his political reputation, while acknowledging the involvement of Congress members in the controversy.

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, Yathindra said two people, including a journalist, had been taken into custody and questioned in connection with the case. He said he had informed his father about the developments.

“My father said those involved should be arrested. We have confidence in the government’s investigation, which is proceeding properly. If we find that the investigation is not being conducted appropriately, we will seek a higher-level probe,” he said.

Yathindra alleged that the controversy had been deliberately created to tarnish Siddaramaiah’s reputation and undermine the credibility he had built over four decades in public life.

He acknowledged that a woman associated with the Congress was allegedly involved, adding that the video also indicated the involvement of a person connected with the media.

However, he cautioned against holding the entire Congress responsible for the alleged actions of individual members.

“An entire party cannot be blamed for the wrongdoing of one person,” he said, stressing that investigators should establish the identities and roles of everyone behind the operation.

Yathindra said the investigation must determine whether the alleged conspiracy involved only Congress members or whether others had participated.

Referring to reports that a woman seen in the video had sought a Congress ticket from Puttur, he alleged that political ambitions could have motivated the operation.

He maintained that the attempt was intended to secure political advantage by casting a shadow over Siddaramaiah’s career.

“My father is distressed. He has been in politics for 40 years without a blemish. The truth is on our side, and it will emerge,” Yathindra said.

He reiterated his demand for an investigation into the episode.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman