Karnataka Minister claims 48 politicians honey-trapped, demands high-level probe

Karnataka Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna has alleged that 48 politicians, including a minister, have been honey-trapped in the state over the past 20 years. Speaking in the Assembly, Rajanna claimed that he himself was targeted twice but was not trapped. He demanded a high-level investigation, stating that the issue affects leaders across political parties, including the ruling Congress, BJP, and JDS. He also mentioned that some individuals had secured legal protection from the High Court.

The controversy began after BJP MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal claimed in the Assembly that honey trapping was being used as a tool to manipulate political power in Karnataka. Rajanna, who is one of two ministers from Tumakuru along with Home Minister G Parameshwara, said, “There are reports that two powerful ministers from Tumakuru have been caught in a honey trap. Now, I am one of the ministers from Tumakuru, and the other is Dr Parameshwara – just the two of us.” He called for a detailed investigation to identify those behind the alleged traps.

PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi supported Rajanna’s claims and stated that honey trapping had been occurring in Karnataka politics for two decades, affecting leaders from multiple parties. He added that such cases had emerged under previous governments as well and that political figures continued to be targeted. “Every party – Congress, BJP, and JDS – is a victim,” he said, urging that the practice be stopped. He further stated that the matter had been discussed with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the home minister, emphasizing the need for a complaint to initiate legal action.

The BJP has intensified its demand for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, alleging that a larger conspiracy is at play. Former BJP minister V Sunil Kumar accused the Congress government of running a “honey-trap factory” and called for a judicial inquiry. Leader of Opposition R Ashoka stated, “It is not the issue of one party. It’s a biggest conspiracy against legislators who are working for the people.” BJP MLAs protested inside the Assembly, waving CDs and demanding immediate action.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addressed the Assembly, asserting that there was no question of protecting anyone involved in honey trapping. “According to the law, the guilty should be punished,” he said. He added that Home Minister G Parameshwara had already responded to the allegations and assured a high-level investigation if a formal complaint was filed. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stated that legal action would proceed once a complaint was officially registered.

The issue has added to ongoing political tensions in Karnataka, with both Congress and BJP leaders accusing each other of being involved in honey-trapping operations. Meanwhile, last week, two women were arrested in Tumakuru district for allegedly honey-trapping a BJP leader and blackmailing him with intimate videos. With the matter escalating, state authorities are under pressure to take concrete action as demands for an independent probe continue to grow.