Minister for Urban Development Yathindra Siddaramaiah alleged that his father and former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah is being targeted with a smear campaign.

Responding to queries from reporters in Mysuru on October 13, Mr. Yathindra claimed that a false accusation had been made against his father on a social media platform. Mr. Siddaramaiah had decided to seek an injunction from a court against the persons spreading the defamatory allegations.

Claiming that it was not a sting video, but a propaganda video aimed at defaming his father, Mr. Yathindra said it was necessary to take action as there is a possibility of people, who are unaware, believing its contents. 

He said his father had not only sought an injunction against the video, but also filed a complaint so that the persons who posted the video could be identified, and action can be taken against them.

Regretting the deteriorating standards of political discourse, Mr. Yathindra said even a senior leader like Mr. Siddaramaiah is being forced to seek an injunction from court. “Should we remain silent when people are spreading false allegations against us?”

Mr. Yathindra said Mr. Siddaramaiah was not upset, but added that politics had stooped to a new low. “When we are in politics, we will have to face such situations,” he said.

Mr. Yathindra said Mr. Siddaramaiah was in Mysuru, but was unsure if the former chief minister would attend the Dasara festivities.