BENGALURU: A political storm erupted in Karnataka assembly Thursday, following allegations of a honey-trap scandal involving a senior minister and 48 others — including legislators, netas, and judges. Some members claimed the scandal was orchestrated by a senior Congress leader with aspirations for CM’s post.
The issue took centre stage after cooperation minister KN Rajanna admitted to being a honey-trap victim himself, triggering a heated debate in the House. “It is a serious issue. If we must save the dignity of our members, we must put a brake on such incidents. I will order a high-level probe into the allegations of honey-trapping made by Rajanna, based on a written complaint to be filed by him,” said Parameshwara.
“I am not alone; 48 others, including legislators, central leaders, and judges have been honey-trapped, and their obscene videos have been made,” Rajanna further claimed.
BJP alleges Cong govt running ‘honey-trap factory’, seeks probe
The issue was first raised on Wednesday by former minister V Sunil Kumar from BJP, who accused the Congress govt of running a “honey-trap factory” and demanded strict action. Senior BJP legislator Basanagouda Patil Yatnal then alleged that the scandal was orchestrated by a senior Congress neta to malign political opponents ahead of a leadership battle.
“We also hear speculation that some people who have set their eyes on the CM post are indulging in such activities to defame their political opponents. In future, they may target anyone depending on their need,” Yatnal warned, without naming anyone.
Rajanna pointed to a specific claim involving a minister from Tumakuru district. “Me and Parameshwara are the only ministers from Tumakuru,” Rajanna said, adding that some people were in possession of CDs and pen drives. The debate intensi fied as BJP MLA Munirathna, who is facing a sexual harassment plaint, claimed he, too, was a victim of political vendetta. “I have young grandchildren. Please give it a thought as to how they will feel when they go to their schools,” he said.
Demanding a CBI probe into the allegations, he added: “You hang me if I am wrong, but do not indulge in character assassination.”
BJP state president BY Vijayendra said neither judges nor the SIT can investigate it. Citing Rajanna’s claim that 48 individuals were trapped, he urged him to disclose the name of the person who orchestrated it. Public works minister Satish Jarkiholi, whose brother Ramesh Jarkiholi was embroiled in a honey-trap scandal in 2021, disclosed that there had been two failed attempts to trap a senior minister. “We will speak to the CM; have discussed it with the home minister. If there is a complaint, it will help the probe,” he said.
“I stand by the demand for legal action against those responsible for the honeytraps. Let a complaint be filed first, and a thorough investigation should follow,” said deputy CM DK Shivakumar.
