BENGALURU | October 24, 2026
A serious allegation of an attempted covert sting operation targeting two prominent Congress Chief Ministers has triggered a fresh political controversy.
Karnataka leader DK Shivakumar has alleged that an industrialist attempted to secretly record political conversations involving him and Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan using Meta smart glasses equipped with camera technology.
In an interview with Kannada television channel Asianet Suvarna News, Shivakumar claimed that the suspicious activities of a businessman who visited him for discussions on an industrial venture raised concerns about a possible politically motivated sting operation.
The revelation comes amid an escalating political confrontation in Karnataka over alleged covert recordings involving senior political figures.
Business Meeting Allegedly Turned Into Political Discussion
According to Shivakumar, the industrialist secured an appointment through government officials, ostensibly to discuss business opportunities.
The meeting initially focused on industrial and commercial matters. However, the visitor allegedly shifted the conversation towards political developments, electoral strategies and booth-level political activities.
Shivakumar said the unexpected change in the discussion, combined with the visitor’s Meta smart glasses, raised suspicions about his intentions.
He subsequently instructed officials to examine the businessman’s background, previous engagements and meetings with other political leaders.
VD Satheesan Also Allegedly Targeted
The most significant aspect of Shivakumar’s disclosure concerns Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan.
Shivakumar claimed that the same industrialist had also met Satheesan while wearing Meta smart glasses.
The allegation raises questions about whether the businessman deliberately attempted to record conversations involving senior Congress leaders.
Why Were Smart Glasses Missing During Meetings With NDA Leaders?
Shivakumar highlighted what he described as a suspicious difference in the businessman’s conduct during meetings with political leaders.
According to information gathered by his officials, the industrialist reportedly met Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu without wearing Meta smart glasses.
Similarly, Shivakumar claimed that the businessman did not wear the device during meetings with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and a Union minister.
In contrast, the visitor allegedly wore the smart glasses while meeting Shivakumar and Satheesan.
This difference has prompted questions about whether Congress leaders were being selectively targeted.
What Makes Meta Smart Glasses Controversial?
Meta smart glasses incorporate advanced wearable technology, including cameras, microphones and artificial intelligence features.
Depending on the model, users can capture photographs, record videos and interact with AI-powered assistants.
Their appearance resembles ordinary spectacles, making them less conspicuous than conventional cameras.
Although the devices include recording-indicator features, their potential misuse for recording sensitive conversations without consent has raised privacy concerns.
Shivakumar Claims Precautionary Measures Were Taken
Responding to questions about possible action against those allegedly involved, Shivakumar indicated that precautionary measures had already been initiated.
He also claimed to possess information about individuals who might be connected to such activities.
However, he declined to disclose the identity of the industrialist or release the evidence publicly.
Shivakumar said he would reveal further information at an appropriate time.
He also reportedly cautioned his Cabinet colleagues about possible attempts to entrap political leaders through personal assistants, telephone conversations and other channels.
