Karnataka Cooperative Minister KN Rajanna admitted in the Assembly that at least 48 politicians, including central leaders, had been caught in honey traps, triggering intense discussions in the assembly. He asserted that the issue was not confined to any one party and demanded a high-level probe into the matter.
He said as per 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. Respected Speaker, Karnataka has been called a factory of CDs and pen drives – not by me, but by many people. This is a serious accusation. 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. Many stories are emerging. If I respond to it here, it won’t be appropriate,” Rajanna said in the assembly.
He further said that he would file a written complaint with the Home Minister and demanded a full-fledged investigation. “Who are the producers behind this? Who are the directors involved? Let all of it come out. Rajanna’s son, MLC Rajendra, also addressed the issue, saying that attempts to honey trap politicians had been ongoing for the past six months. “The Cabinet Minister has already given a statement that there should be an investigation. I think the Home Minister will investigate this.”
Rajendra said they will call on WhatsApp, or a message will be there. For the past six months this has been happening. So for the last two months they’ve been trying to track this. Let the investigation be complete. Public Works Department Minister Sathish Jarkiholi had earlier confirmed that a honey trap attempt was made on a Karnataka minister on two occasions, though both were unsuccessful. He said that honey trapping is not new in the state and that some individuals are using it as an investment in politics.
Jarkiholi said 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 something new. There is no need for such activities in politics, but a few are using this as their investment. This must come to an end. We have asked the minister involved to file a complaint. Only by filing a police complaint can we learn why these activities are happening. If they file a complaint, we will find out who is behind it. We will discuss this with the Chief Minister and the Home Minister.