The person whom the CM met was linked to sting operations, Kumaraswamy, who is also the state JDS president, told the media.
The demand comes days after Shivakumar cautioned five Cabinet colleagues about alleged attempts to target them through sting operations, triggering a political controversy in Karnataka.
Kumaraswamy sought to know the purpose of the meeting and the names of those allegedly being targeted.
Also read | Karnataka: Shivakumar claims attempts made to trap him, ministers through sting operations
“The CM met a person involved in sting operations at a five-star hotel and held discussions with him for hours. Who was that person? What is his relationship with the Chief Minister? The people of Karnataka deserve answers,” Kumaraswamy said.
Shivakumar, when asked about the allegations by reporters in Mysuru, declined to elaborate, saying only that “time will answer all those questions”.Kumaraswamy questioned Shivakumar’s claim that attempts had been made to conduct sting operations against him and some Cabinet ministers. He said that if the government possessed credible information about such activities, it should place the details in the public domain and order a formal probe.
“If the CM himself says a sting operation was attempted against him, he must explain what happened and who was involved. The people have a right to know,” he said.
The former CM also alleged that an individual posing as a media person was being protected and used for political purposes. He urged Shivakumar to clarify the nature of the person’s role and association with the government.
Seeking an investigation into the matter, Kumaraswamy said the state government had adequate resources, including the police and a Special Investigation Team, to examine the allegations. He questioned why no inquiry had been ordered despite public claims of attempts to trap ministers through sting operations.
Also read | Karnataka: Kumaraswamy challenges Shivakumar to probe sting operation
The union minister also asked why the ministers continued in the Cabinet if the government genuinely believed they had been targeted, arguing that the episode had only fuelled speculation.
The latest exchange adds to the growing political friction between the ruling Congress and the opposition JD(S)-BJP alliance. Kumaraswamy alleged that the controversy had surfaced at a time when he was raising questions about alleged irregularities in the Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor (NICE) project and releasing documents to support his claims.
“I have been pursuing the NICE issue and placing documents before the people. The sting operation controversy appears to be diverting attention from the questions I have raised,” Kumaraswamy alleged.
