Karnataka’s Political Landscape Shaken by Honey Trap Allegations

Bengaluru: Karnataka politics is once again in turmoil as BJP MLA and former minister Munirathna has accused Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar of orchestrating a honey-trap operation targeting legislators from both ruling and opposition parties. Speaking at Vidhana Soudha, Munirathna alleged that Shivakumar, along with his brother D.K. Suresh, was behind a systematic effort to trap political leaders using a network specializing in honey traps.

BJP’s Allegations: Shivakumar the Mastermind?

Munirathna claimed that BJP MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi was previously caught in a similar trap in 2021, forcing him to resign as Water Resources Minister. He also alleged that JDS MLA H.D. Revanna, his son MLC Suraj Revanna, and Cooperation Minister K.N. Rajanna have been targeted similarly. Munirathna further asserted that he himself was falsely implicated in a rape case, orchestrated by Shivakumar as an act of political revenge.

48 MLAs’ Footage in CDs & Pen Drives?

Adding fuel to the controversy, Congress leader and Cooperation Minister K.N. Rajanna stated in the Assembly that 48 MLAs across parties have fallen victim to the honey-trap network. He suggested that Karnataka has become a hub for such illicit activities, with CDs and pen drives containing compromising footage circulating within the state and even implicating central ministers.

Government Orders High-Level Investigation

Responding to these grave allegations, Home Minister G. Parameshwara has assured a high-level probe into the honey-trap scandal. He emphasized the need to uphold the dignity of public representatives and curb such blackmail tactics.

Meanwhile, BJP leaders V. Sunil Kumar and Basangouda Patil Yatnal accused political rivals of using honey traps as a tool for blackmail and character assassination. They warned that if the government does not act swiftly, it could be seen as complicit in the scandal.

With accusations flying and an official investigation underway, Karnataka’s political storm is set to intensify. The coming days will reveal whether these allegations hold weight or are merely a part of the ever-growing political drama.