Home Minister promises high-level probe into Minister’s honey-trap allegation

Cooperation Minister K. N. Rajanna alleged in the Legislative Assembly that vested interests had honey-trapped 48 members, including legislators, Central leaders and judges, in Karnataka, on March 20, 2025.
| Photo Credit: Murali Kumar K

Co-operation Minister K.N. Rajanna shocking allegation in the Legislative Assembly that vested interests had honey-trapped 48 members, including legislators, Central leaders and judges, led to Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara announcing that he would order a high-level probe into the issue.

“This is the question of the dignity of every member of this House. There is a dire need to put an end to this trend of honey-trapping. Several prominent people have served as members of this House and left their own mark. I will order a high-level probe into the allegations of honey-trapping made by Mr. Rajanna, based on the written complaint to be filed by him,” Dr. Parameshwara told the Assembly on March 20.

BJP MLA’s charge

Earlier, raising the issue in the Assembly, BJP member Basanagouda Patil Yatnal alleged that there is speculation and reports that Mr. Rajanna himself had been honey-trapped. “We hear speculation that some people who have set their eyes on the Chief Ministerial post are indulging in such activities to defame their political opponents. It is a matter of concern. In future, they may target anyone depending on the need,” he said, without taking any name.

Responding to this, Mr. Rajanna said he too had heard remarks by some people that two ministers from Tumakuru had become victims of honey-trapping. “Only myself and G. Parameshwara are the ministers from Tumakuru district. I want to say that it is not just about myself, but 48 members, including legislators, Central leaders and judges, are victims of honey trapping. Some people have CD and pen drives in this regard,” he alleged.

Stating that he had decided to file a written complaint seeking a high-level probe into the alleged episode, he said he had evidence that there was an attempt to tarnish his image too. He said he had heard people talk about Karnataka becoming a ‘CD, pen drive factory’.

Munirathna’s claim

Meanwhile, BJP member Munirathna, who is facing a complaint of sexual harassment, claimed that a case had been foisted on him as part of political vendetta. “I have young grandchildren. Please give a thought to how they would feel when they go to their schools,” he said.

Maintaining that he is ‘innocent’, he displayed photos of ‘Shani god and Ajjaiah peeta’, and challenged those behind filing of such cases against him to swear in the names of these gods and testify.

Demanding a CBI probe into the charges against him, he said, “You hang me if I am wrong. But do not indulge in character assassination by filing false cases. This is a dangerous trend, as we have already seen character assassination of senior leaders like H.D. Revanna and Ramesh Jarkiholi.”

Intervening in the debate, BJP member Sunil Kumar wondered what would be the fate of ordinary people if a minister like K.N. Rajanna too had become the victim of a honey-trap. “We stand with Mr. Rajanna in this regard. Instead of resorting to honey-trapping, political leaders should defeat their opponents through good programmes and committed work,” he said, and urged the Home Minister to respond to the concerns of the House.