Karnataka CM Shivakumar Visits Siddaramaiah in Mysuru, Holds Closed-Door Meeting Amid Sting Operation Row

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar met his predecessor, Siddaramaiah, at the latter's residence in Mysuru on Friday night, October 16, 2026, in a closed-door meeting that has drawn attention in political circles. The visit came amid a row over allegations of a sting operation involving the former chief minister, and it was the first time the two leaders were reported to have met since the issue came out.

The Visit

Shivakumar travelled to Mysuru after attending the Cauvery Arathi event at the Brindavan Gardens at Krishnaraja Sagar in Mandya district, which he had launched earlier in the evening. He then went to Siddaramaiah's new house in Kuvempunagar, where the two leaders spoke behind closed doors. According to sources, Shivakumar spent about an hour with Siddaramaiah, although some accounts mentioned a shorter duration of over twenty minutes. Visuals of the Chief Minister leaving the former chief minister's residence late at night were widely shared on television and social media.

Who Else Was Present

The Chief Minister was accompanied by a few colleagues. Minister Dr Yathindra Siddaramaiah, MLA and legal advisor to the Chief Minister A S Ponnanna and Member of Parliament G C Chandrashekar were also present during the visit. The presence of the legal advisor drew particular notice, as some observers linked it to the legal and political dimensions of the sting operation controversy.

The Sting Operation Row

The exact details of the discussion were not made public. However, the visit took place in the wake of allegations of a sting operation against Siddaramaiah, which has become a talking point in Karnataka politics. The controversy has put the Congress in an awkward position, as it involves one of its most senior leaders and comes at a time when the party is under attack from the opposition on several fronts. A meeting between the current and former chief ministers was therefore seen as an attempt to present a united front.

Shivakumar's Response

Speaking to reporters the next day, Shivakumar confirmed the meeting. He said he had met his leader and discussed a few matters, adding that it was part of his duty to do so. He did not go into details about what was discussed, but the statement was meant to dismiss speculation that the meeting signalled any strain between the two leaders.

A Relationship Under the Spotlight

The equation between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar has long been a subject of speculation within the Congress, given their competing claims to the top post in earlier years. Shivakumar is now the Chief Minister, while Siddaramaiah remains one of the party's most influential figures, with a strong base in the Mysuru region. Any meeting between them is therefore closely watched for signs of cooperation or tension. The latest visit also coincided with farmer agitations and other pressing issues facing the state government, which means the two leaders had no shortage of matters to discuss.

Political Implications

Opposition parties are likely to use the sting operation row to question the Congress leadership, while the party will want to ensure that the controversy does not damage its government. Observers say the show of solidarity may help the Congress to contain the fallout, but much will depend on how the allegations are examined and whether new facts emerge. For now, the closed-door meeting has added another chapter to the political drama in the state.

This report is based on published news coverage and statements attributed to the leaders involved. The allegations relating to the sting operation have not been independently verified.