Opposition BJP members stage dharna in Karnataka Legislative Assembly seeking judicial probe into honey-trap allegation

On March 20, Cooperation Minister K.N. Rajanna told the Legislative Assembly that vested interests had honey-trapped 48 persons, including legislators, central leaders, and judges

Members of the principal opposition BJP staged a protest in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly on March 21 seeking a judicial probe by a sitting judge of the High Court into allegations by Cooperation Minister K.N. Rajanna that vested interests had honey-trapped 48 persons, including legislators, central leaders, and judges.

As soon as the House commenced proceedings, V. Sunil Kumar (BJP) raised the issue of honey-trap involving politicians and sought an answer from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah before his reply on the debate on the State budget 2025-26.

Mr. Sunil Kumar said the Chief Minister should announce the nature of the high-level probe and ensure protection to all members of the House. Mr Rajanna’s statement in the House on March 20 has lowered the dignity of the House, he said

Mr. Sunil Kumar wondered what would be the fate of ordinary citizens if a Minister too had become the victim of a honey trap. “Are ministers taking oath for running the administration or conducting honey-trap to tarnish the image of politicians and public figures?”

Leader of Opposition R. Ashok said since Mr. Rajanna has mentioned honey-trap of judges, central leaders and ministers, government should order a judicial probe by appointing a sitting judge of the High court.

Mr. Sunil Kumar said, “There is no caste or political party for honey trap.” He urged the Chief Minister to put an end to this trend.

As the House witnessed pandemonium, a couple of members of the BJP even demanded a CBI probe.

Mr. Ashok and Mr. Sunil Kumar said PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi stated that two attempts were made to honey-trap one minister. Mr. Rajanna’s son and Congress MLC Rajendra Rajanna too informed the media about attempts being made to honey-trap, BJP members said.

Mr. Ashok said the Congress government had failed to protect its own ministers.

Home Minister G. Parameshwara announced that he would order a high-level probe into the issue once Mr. Rajanna gives a written complaint.

Mr. Siddaramaiah said, “People indulging in honey-trap will be punished as per the law. All Congress, BJP and JD(S) members would be given protection. A probe would be conducted to nab the culprits behind the honey-trap. It’s our responsibility to protect all the citizens of the state.”

In the midst of slogans raised by the BJP against the Congress government, Mr. Siddaramaiah began his reply to the debate on the State budget.

On March 20, Mr. Rajanna told the House that he had decided to file a written complaint seeking a high-level probe into attempts of honey trap. He had evidence that there was an ‘attempt to tarnish his image’. He said he had heard people talk about Karnataka becoming a ‘CD, pen drive factory’.

Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi told mediapersons on March 20 that two unsuccessful honey-trap attempts were made on one senior Minister in the State, and called for a police investigation into the matter.

Speaking on the budget on March 20, senior BJP member Basanagouda R. Patil Yatnal alleged that there was speculation and reports that Mr. Rajanna had been honey-trapped.

While speaking to mediapersons on March 20, BJP member Munirathna, who is facing a complaint of sexual harassment, claimed that a case had been ‘foisted’ on him as part of a political vendetta. He demanded a CBI probe into the charges against him. Mr Munirathna alleged that Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar was responsible for his arrest.

Published - March 21, 2025 10:45 am IST