48 Karnataka MLAs honey-trapped, Minister Rajanna alleges.
Karnataka Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna’s remarks came in response to BJP MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal’s explosive allegation in the Assembly that legislators were being honey-trapped as part of a political conspiracy. Yatnal claimed that an individual was orchestrating the scheme with the ultimate aim of becoming the chief minister. Rajanna, while acknowledging the claim, stated that 48 MLAs had reportedly fallen victim to the trap and that there was an attempt to target him as well. The controversy has sparked a political storm in Karnataka, with demands for an investigation into the alleged conspiracy shaking the state’s political circles.
Karnataka Minister K N Rajanna Alleges 48 MLAs Honey-Trapped, Calls for Investigation
Karnataka Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna on Thursday made a startling revelation, claiming that 48 MLAs in the state have been honey-trapped. The minister also conceded that there was an attempt to target him as well. Rajanna has now called for a thorough investigation by the state police into the matter, highlighting concerns over the growing political scandal.
Allegations of Honey-Trapping in Karnataka Politics
Rajanna’s remarks came in response to BJP MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal’s allegations in the Karnataka Assembly. Yatnal claimed that an individual was systematically honey-trapping legislators with the ulterior motive of becoming the chief minister. The explosive claim sparked intense debates in the House, with lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties raising concerns over the issue.
Reacting to Yatnal’s statement, Rajanna remarked that Karnataka has allegedly become a hub for blackmail through compromising recordings.
As the Opposition benches jumped in, claiming that “two factories” were in operation, Rajanna added, “Is there one on your side and one on ours? If you say who runs your factory, we can reveal who runs ours.” His remarks indicated that the issue was not confined to one political party and that members from both sides of the political spectrum were allegedly involved in this scandal.
Call for Special Investigation
Rajanna has demanded a special investigation to uncover the masterminds behind the honey-trapping operation. He emphasized the need to expose the individuals orchestrating these traps, as well as those producing and distributing the alleged compromising material.
“Pen drives of 48 MLAs are present. This was not only of the members of the ruling party but included those from the Opposition too,” Rajanna claimed. His statement suggested that the alleged honey-trapping scheme was far-reaching and involved a significant number of Karnataka’s political leaders.
The minister further warned that the issue was not limited to state politics. This is a menace,” he asserted, indicating that the controversy could have far-reaching implications beyond Karnataka.
Political Reactions and Fallout
The allegations have sent shockwaves through the political landscape, with parties demanding swift action. BJP leaders have called for an immediate probe, arguing that if such an operation exists, it poses a severe threat to the integrity of Karnataka’s political system.
Opposition leaders, on the other hand, have accused the ruling party of attempting to divert attention from governance failures by making sensational claims. However, given the gravity of Rajanna’s allegations, even some members within his own party have urged the government to take immediate action and launch an impartial inquiry.
Legal experts have also weighed in on the matter, stating that if the allegations are true, they could constitute serious criminal offenses, including extortion, blackmail, and invasion of privacy. Law enforcement agencies may have to investigate not only the existence of these alleged recordings but also whether they were used to influence political decisions.
What’s Next?
With the Karnataka Assembly now embroiled in this controversy, the demand for a high-level investigation is growing louder. If Rajanna’s claims hold weight, a special task force or an independent agency may be assigned to probe the matter.
For now, the political atmosphere remains tense, with legislators on both sides of the aisle wary of potential fallout. If compromising material does exist, it could alter the political dynamics in the state, leading to further instability.
As the investigation unfolds, Karnataka’s political fraternity—and indeed the entire country—will be closely watching how this scandal is handled and whether those responsible for the alleged honey-trapping operation are brought to justice.