Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Mar 24: The honey-trap controversy in Karnataka continues to escalate, with a group of Congress ministers and MLAs planning to meet the party high command over the alleged involvement of an influential state leader.

Minister for Cooperation K N Rajanna has accused political rivals of attempting to honey-trap him to sideline him. However, despite his earlier declaration, Rajanna has yet to file a complaint. Speaking to reporters on Monday, he stated that he would do so at an "appropriate time," raising questions about the delay.

During a recent Assembly session, Rajanna had made the explosive claim that attempts were being made to trap him. Following this, home minister G Parameshwara announced a high-level probe. However, without a formal complaint, no action has been initiated. The opposition BJP has demanded a judicial or CBI inquiry into the matter, leading to heated protests in the Assembly and the suspension of 18 BJP MLAs for six months.

BJP MLA N Munirathna has alleged that deputy chief minister and Karnataka Congress president D K Shivakumar is behind the honey-trap attempt. Denying the charge, Shivakumar stated, “People wouldn’t attempt to honey-trap a leader without reason.”

Sources suggest that the Congress high command has advised Rajanna to hold off on filing the complaint until further instructions. Meanwhile, minister for PWD Satish Jarkiholi, a close associate of chief minister Siddaramaiah, is expected to travel to Delhi to discuss the controversy with leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi. He is reportedly planning to stay in the capital for three days to ensure a meeting, with other ministers and MLAs likely to accompany him.

Asked about the allegations against Shivakumar, Rajanna responded, “I don’t know about that.” Regarding Munirathna’s demand that he undergo a narco-analysis test, he retorted, “First, Munirathna should take the test, as he was previously close to deputy CM Shivakumar.”

Rajanna had earlier claimed on the Assembly floor that around 48 individuals, including judges and central leaders, have been honey-trapped in the state.

Munirathna, responding to Rajanna’s remarks, said he is willing to reveal all details in a public forum without undergoing a narco-analysis test. “I am happy that Minister Rajanna has acknowledged the facts,” he said.

The Congress high command is closely monitoring the developments. Chief minister Siddaramaiah met AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday to discuss the issue, and further deliberations are expected in New Delhi. However, Kharge told the media that Siddaramaiah’s visit was related to the upcoming two-year milestone of his government.

Home minister Parameshwara, when asked about the controversy, said, “I have not yet received a complaint from Minister Rajanna. Without a complaint, we cannot initiate action. There must be a cause for action. Without an FIR, no action can be taken.”