National

Honey-Trap Scandal: Opposition BJP Members Stage Dharna In K’taka Legislative Assembly Seeking Judicial Probe

The members of the opposition BJP on Friday staged a protest in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, demanding a judicial probe by a sitting judge of the High Court into serious allegations made by Cooperation Minister K.N. Rajanna.

Rajanna claimed that 48 individuals, including legislators, central leaders, and judges, had fallen victim to honey-trapping by vested interests.

Opposition Raises Alarm

The protest began as soon as the Assembly session commenced, with BJP leader V. Sunil Kumar raising the issue of the alleged honey-trapping. He sought an explanation from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah before the latter’s reply on the 2025-26 State budget debate. Kumar criticized the serious nature of the allegations, stating that Minister Rajanna’s comments had damaged the dignity of the House and called for a high-level investigation.

“What would happen to ordinary citizens if a Minister himself has fallen victim to a honey trap?” Kumar questioned, emphasizing the gravity of the issue. He further asked whether ministers, who were sworn to administer the state, were instead focusing on honey-trapping to tarnish the reputations of politicians and public figures.

Call For Judicial Probe & Protection For MLAs

Leader of the Opposition, R. Ashok, also joined the demand for an impartial inquiry, highlighting the involvement of not just politicians but also judges and central leaders in the alleged honey-trap incidents. He urged the government to initiate a judicial probe by appointing a sitting judge of the High Court.

Kumar stressed that honey-trapping had no political or caste barriers and demanded that the government put an end to this disturbing trend. Amidst the chaos in the Assembly, some BJP members even called for a CBI probe into the matter.

Allegations Of Inadequate Protection For Ministers

The BJP also raised concerns about the protection of ministers, citing the case of Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi, who stated that two attempts had been made to honey-trap him.

Additionally, Rajanna’s son and Congress MLC Rajendra Rajanna also claimed to have knowledge of attempts to honey-trap political figures. BJP leaders accused the Congress government of failing to safeguard its own ministers from such threats.

In response, Home Minister G. Parameshwara promised a high-level investigation into the matter once Minister Rajanna submitted a formal written complaint.

Chief Minister’s Response

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, addressing the Assembly after the protests, assured that anyone involved in honey-trapping would be punished according to the law. He emphasized that all members of the House, including Congress, BJP, and JD(S) members, would be provided protection. Siddaramaiah also pledged that a thorough investigation would be conducted to identify and apprehend the culprits behind the honey-trapping activities. “It’s our responsibility to protect all the citizens of the state,” he stated.

Minister Rajanna’s Allegations

Earlier, on March 20, Minister Rajanna had announced his decision to file a formal complaint seeking a high-level investigation into the honey-trapping incidents. He claimed to have evidence of an attempt to tarnish his image, adding that rumors were circulating about Karnataka becoming a “CD, pen drive factory.” Rajanna had previously spoken out about the honey-trap attempts, asserting that he had heard allegations about such attempts targeting political leaders in the state.

BJP Members Demand A CBI Probe

In the midst of the ongoing protests, BJP senior members like Basanagouda R. Patil Yatnal and Munirathna raised further concerns. Yatnal alleged that there were reports suggesting that Rajanna himself had been honey-trapped, while Munirathna, who is currently facing a sexual harassment complaint, claimed that a false case had been lodged against him as part of a political vendetta. Munirathna demanded a CBI investigation into the matter and accused Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar of orchestrating his arrest.

Legislative Session

The protests and subsequent pandemonium in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly created a tense atmosphere as opposition members clashed with the ruling government over the honey-trapping allegations. As the session resumed later in the day, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah began his address on the state budget, but the opposition’s protests over the honey-trap issue continued to overshadow the proceedings.

The controversy has further intensified political divisions in the state, with both the BJP and Congress now at odds over how the issue should be handled.

As the investigation into the honey-trap allegations progresses, it remains to be seen whether this issue will lead to further political fallout in Karnataka’s already turbulent political landscape.