Archive · 11 Oct 2026
Priyank Kharge Accuses Centre of Targeting Karnataka Government’s Image
Priyank Kharge, a minister in Karnataka, accused the central government of trying to damage his state government’s reputation.
He said central agencies and sting operations were being used, but he has not yet shared the information he says supports his claim.
He challenged BJP leader R Ashoka to file a formal complaint if he wants an investigation.
Chief Minister D K Shivakumar had warned ministers about possible sting operations and said there had been attempts against him.
Kharge also criticized the refusal to allow a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar.
He said an allegation about YouTuber Dhruv Rathee’s nationality was false and asked for evidence.
He added that prisoners were not being moved at present.
Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge accused the Centre of using central agencies and sting operations to tarnish the state government’s image.
Kharge said he would disclose what he called authentic information at an appropriate time and challenged BJP leader R Ashoka to file a formal complaint for an investigation.
Chief Minister D K Shivakumar had cautioned ministers about possible sting operations and later said attempts had been made against him after he became chief minister.
Kharge criticized the refusal to permit a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar, questioned the security response, and accused the Centre of shielding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Kharge disputed former IPS officer Bhaskar Rao’s claims about YouTuber Dhruv Rathee’s nationality and said no prisoners, including former MP Prajwal Revanna, were being transferred at present.
- Who
- Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge made the accusations; Chief Minister D K Shivakumar also spoke about possible sting operations.
- What
- Kharge accused the Centre of trying to tarnish the Karnataka government’s image through central agencies and sting operations.
- When
- Kharge spoke on Friday, October 10; the articles do not state the year.
- Where
- Kharge spoke to reporters in Bengaluru; Shivakumar spoke to reporters in New Delhi.
- Why
- Kharge said the Centre was making a concerted effort to damage the state government’s image.
Kharge’s allegations
Formal investigation requested
Alleged effort against Karnataka government
Kharge’s allegations
Kharge accused the Centre of a concerted effort to tarnish the state government’s image using central agencies and sting operations.
Formal investigation requested
Kharge said those seeking a probe should file a formal complaint; the articles report no independent response from the Centre to his accusation.
Disclosure and investigation
Kharge’s allegations
Kharge said he would disclose authentic information at a time and to people he chose.
Formal investigation requested
He challenged BJP leader R Ashoka to submit a formal complaint, saying he would order an investigation if one was filed.
- Speaker
- Priyank Kharge, Karnataka minister
- Agencies named
- Central Bureau of Investigation, Income Tax Department and Enforcement Directorate
- Investigation challenge
- Kharge challenged BJP leader R Ashoka to submit a formal complaint and said he would order an investigation if one was filed.
- Chief minister’s comments
- D K Shivakumar cautioned ministers about possible sting operations and later said attempts had been made against him after he became chief minister.
- Information disclosure
- Kharge said he would decide when and to whom to disclose information he described as authentic.
- Jantar Mantar
- Kharge questioned the refusal to permit a peaceful protest and the security arrangements, including anti-riot equipment.
- Prisoner transfers
- Kharge said no prisoners were being shifted at present, following a recent search operation.
