Politics

Karnataka Chief Minister Claims Industrialist Tried to Record Him and Kerala CM with Meta Glasses

By Arun Dev

Karnataka chief minister DK Shivakumar said he had documented an incident in which an industrialist, who met him wearing Meta smart glasses, allegedly attempted to record a political conversation as part of a sting operation targeting him and Kerala chief minister VD Satheesan, both Congress leaders. The visitor had secured an appointment through officials, began by discussing business, then shifted to politics, including booth‑level strategies and political developments. Shivakumar said the glasses raised his suspicion. He told a Kannada broadcaster that he asked officials to investigate the visitor’s background. The information gathered indicated that the industrialist had also worn the glasses during a meeting with Satheesan, but not during meetings with Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis or a Union minister. “He wore the Meta glasses only when he came to me and VD Satheesan,” Shivakumar said. He did not name the industrialist or provide evidence that the glasses were used to record either meeting. Authorities have taken precautionary measures but are withholding details. “Who said action wasn’t sought? You just don’t know, that’s all. We are not disclosing it, that’s all. We have taken all precautionary measures,” he said. Shivakumar warned his cabinet colleagues against attempts to entrap them through people working around them, telephone calls or other means. “As the head of the government, which is like a family, I have to tell the Cabinet ministers to be conscious and not get fooled,” he said. He said he had documented the episode and had information about people who might have been involved, but would wait before disclosing their names or records. “I have called them all and kept records. Not now. When the time comes, I will say what has to be said. This is not the time to speak,” he said. The allegation comes as the Congress in Karnataka and opposition parties are locked in a dispute over purported sting operation videos involving former chief minister Siddaramaiah. The parties have exchanged allegations over the origin and purpose of the recordings.