Did DKS warn his ministers to be wary of sting operations?

Bengaluru: Differences have emerged among Congress leaders over reports that Chief Minister DK Shivakumar cautioned ministers during a Cabinet meeting to remain alert to possible sting operations.

Minister Dr Sharan Prakash Patil said the media had received incorrect information about a sting operation and that no such discussion had taken place. “I was present at the Cabinet meeting and nothing of that sort was said,” he said.However, Deputy Chief Minister Dr G. Parameshwara took a different view, saying it could not be dismissed outright. “It cannot be simply said that nothing happened. The Chief Minister receives information from the Intelligence Department,” he said.

The issue has drawn sharp criticism from Opposition BJP leaders. Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka said the situation was reminiscent of the saying that a thief is always suspicious. He alleged that those who had resorted to such practices in the past were now advising their own party legislators.

Former Chief Minister DV Sadananda Gowda also took a dig at the reported warning, comparing it to “Alibaba warning the 40 thieves.” He questioned why such a warning would be necessary if there was no wrongdoing. He alleged that the Chief Minister had not asked ministers not to take money, but had instead advised them to be careful while doing so.

Former Minister Narayanagowda alleged that the Chief Minister had warned ministers because of corruption within the government. He claimed that Shivakumar had cautioned ministers to be careful while giving and receiving money and alleged that the Chief Minister knew which ministers were involved in alleged deals.

Narayanagowda said the Chief Minister should instead have asked ministers to remain honest. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s often-used statement about neither taking bribes nor allowing others to do so, he alleged that the Chief Minister had instead warned ministers about possible sting operations and asked them not to get caught.

BJP MLC CT Ravi also criticised Shivakumar over the reported warning, accusing him of adopting what he described as a style of functioning suited to the present times.