Bengaluru: Former chief minister Siddaramaiah reportedly expressed dissatisfaction over the investigation into the alleged sting operation targeting him during a 45-minute one-to-one meeting with Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi, former minister and Congress legislator KN Rajanna said Tuesday.Rajanna, seen as close to Siddaramaiah, said that the former CM had discussed the controversy, its impact on Congress’ image and the damage to his personal reputation during the meeting. “This is what I have gathered,” he said. He said he spoke to Siddaramaiah before his Delhi visit but was yet to speak to him after his return.Rajanna insisted that the investigation should establish the truth, irrespective of the level at which it was conducted. “Whether it is a high-level or low-level investigation, the truth must emerge,” he said. “There is no question of compromising on this. An appropriate investigation should be conducted, and facts brought to light.”Rajanna previously had told the state assembly that he and 48 other political functionaries had been targets of honeytrap and sting operation attempts. He reiterated that sting operations and hidden recordings have deeply impacted state politics.Meanwhile, a rift within Congress emerged in the open Tuesday, with minister HC Balakrishna launching a sharp attack on former minister Rajanna and his son Rajendra, accusing them of indulging in anti-party activity and demanding they quit the party if they cannot remain loyal to it.Reacting to Rajanna’s remarks that Congress lost the legislative council elections because of the alleged sting operation targeting former CM Siddaramaiah, Balakrishna accused Rajanna and Rajendra of not working for the party’s candidate in the elections.He alleged that Rajendra had met JD(S) chief HD Kumaraswamy even before the election process was completed and challenged Rajendra to swear on his conscience that he had worked honestly for Congress.Accusing the Rajanna family of working against the party’s interests, Balakrishna said: “It is not right to betray the party after enjoying the benefits it has given. I am ready to go to whichever temple they choose and swear to tell the truth if Rajanna takes a similar oath,” he said.
