Karnataka Honey Trap Scandal: Minister Claims 48 Politicians Involved

A political storm has erupted in Karnataka after reports surfaced of a honey trap scandal involving at least 48 politicians, including central figures.

The controversy began with whispers but quickly escalated when Karnataka Cooperative Minister KN Rajanna made explosive claims in the state assembly, revealing the scale and seriousness of the issue.

Minister KN Rajanna’s Shocking Revelation

During an assembly session, Minister KN Rajanna admitted that nearly 48 politicians, including leaders from different political parties, had fallen victim to honey traps.

Rajanna stressed that the issue was not limited to any single party and called for a high-level investigation.

“As per my knowledge, about 48 people have fallen victim to these CDs and pen drives, not just one or two. And when I say ‘one,’ I don’t mean only those on my side,” Rajanna said while pointing to his party colleagues.

He also gestured toward the opposition, implying that members from both sides were involved.

Rajanna described Karnataka as a “factory of CDs and pen drives,” a statement he attributed to widespread public perception. He highlighted that two influential ministers from Tumakuru had been caught in honey traps.

“Now, I am one of the ministers from Tumakuru, and the other is Dr Parameshwara — just the two of us,” he noted. Rajanna demanded a thorough investigation, stating, “The people must know who the producers and directors behind this are.”

Rajanna’s Son Backs His Claims

Rajanna’s son, MLC Rajendra, supported his father’s claims, stating that honey trap attempts had been occurring for the past six months.

He explained that the honey trapping often started with WhatsApp calls or messages. “For the past two months, efforts have been made to track this activity. Let the investigation reveal the truth,” he said.

Congress Ministers Acknowledge the Issue

Public Works Department Minister Sathish Jarkiholi confirmed that honey trap attempts had been made on a Karnataka minister twice, though both attempts failed. Jarkiholi described honey trapping as a long-standing issue in Karnataka politics.

“Yes, there was an attempt at honey trapping a minister, and it happened twice. However, the attempts were not successful. Honey trapping in Karnataka is not new,” Jarkiholi said.

He emphasized that some individuals were using honey traps as a political tool and called for a formal complaint to uncover those responsible.

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar remained cautious, saying, “Let the investigation be done. I request the Home Minister to provide protection according to the law.”

Home Minister G Parameshwara claimed he was unaware of the allegations but promised to seek information from the concerned department. “There might be many speculations, but I will ask the department for details,” he said.

Opposition Demands a Thorough Investigation

The opposition has been vocal in demanding a transparent and independent investigation into the scandal. BJP leader R Ashoka called for a judicial probe, stating, “Let a sitting judge investigate the honey trap case. We need to take it seriously.”

Senior BJP leader and MLC CT Ravi supported Ashoka’s demand for a high-level probe. Ravi noted that since the allegations came from a senior Congress minister, they must be taken seriously.

“Who is behind these honey trap attempts, and who is funding them? The opposition cannot ignore this,” Ravi said.

BJP MLA Sunil Kumar raised pointed questions about the government’s involvement. “For two days, there has been news of honey traps within the government. Is the government not responsible for protecting its ministers?” Kumar asked.

Chief Minister Responds to the Allegations

Reports suggest that the issue has already reached Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s office. The victim minister reportedly met with the Chief Minister and voiced concerns about being targeted for speaking out within the government.

Siddaramaiah defended his government in the assembly, stating that no one involved would be protected. “If Rajanna files a complaint, the Home Minister will investigate the matter. Action will be taken according to the law,” he said.

Allegations of Political Conspiracy

Jarkiholi claimed that honey trapping had been a political weapon in Karnataka for over two decades, affecting all major parties — Congress, BJP, and JDS. He insisted that such tactics must stop.

“This has been happening for the last 20 years. Every party — Congress, BJP, and JDS — is a victim,” Jarkiholi said. He urged the victims to come forward and file formal complaints to expose those behind the schemes.

Recent Honey Trap Case Linked to BJP Leader

Recently, two women were arrested for allegedly honey trapping a BJP leader in Tumakuru district. BJP leader Annappa Swamy claimed that a woman befriended him on Facebook and later blackmailed him with intimate videos.

The BJP accused the Congress government of running a “honey trap factory” and demanded a detailed investigation. The opposition created chaos in the assembly, holding CDs as evidence and staging a protest.