At least 18 BJP MLAs were suspended from the Karnataka Assembly on Friday after they allegedly disrupted proceedings, demanding a judicial probe by a sitting High Court judge into the alleged “honey-trap” attempt involving a state minister and other lawmakers. The incident unfolded when opposition BJP MLAs created a ruckus inside the House, leading to their removal by marshals.
The controversy began when Cooperation Minister KH Rajanna informed the Assembly that he had been targeted in a “honey-trap” attempt. He also claimed that at least 48 politicians across various parties had fallen victim to similar schemes. The BJP, along with JD(S) MLAs, stormed into the well of the House, holding CDs as they protested loudly and raised slogans. They demanded a judicial investigation, asserting that a probe led by a sitting High Court judge was the only way to ensure impartiality and transparency in the matter.
In response, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah assured the Assembly that the government would conduct a high-level investigation into the allegations, ensuring protection for all those involved in the case. He emphasized that no one, regardless of their position, would be exempt from investigation if found guilty. “Let Rajanna file a complaint, and all Congress, BJP, and JD(S) members will be provided protection. Those who have violated the law must be punished accordingly,” Siddaramaiah stated, further reiterating his government’s commitment to protecting all citizens of the state.
The Chief Minister was firm in his stance, declaring that the investigation would be thorough and no one would be shielded from scrutiny, regardless of their political affiliation. “We will ensure a high-level investigation,” he added, stressing the importance of a fair and impartial probe.
Home Minister G. Parameshwara also responded to the growing uproar, explaining that Rajanna had expressed his intention to file a formal complaint, but had yet to submit it. Parameshwara reassured the Assembly that the matter would be thoroughly investigated, and he would discuss the specifics of the inquiry with the Chief Minister. “I have already assured the House that I will get the matter investigated. I am committed to a high-level probe. I will discuss the nature of the investigation with the Chief Minister, and we will decide accordingly, considering your suggestions,” Parameshwara said.
Despite the assurances from the state government, opposition leaders continued to press for clarity on the nature of the investigation. They strongly insisted that the probe should be led by a sitting High Court judge, citing the high-profile nature of the case, which involved ministers, political figures, and potentially high-ranking officials across parties. Leader of the Opposition R Ashok questioned the government’s handling of the issue, particularly the role of the intelligence department. “What is the intelligence department doing? The CM must provide answers, as intelligence falls under his purview,” he said, highlighting the perceived lack of response to the allegations.
The opposition’s call for a judicial probe was further fueled by Rajanna’s statement that the honey-trap scheme targeted not just state leaders but also prominent central political figures, ministers, and members of various political parties. As a result, they argued that a High Court judge-led investigation was necessary to ensure transparency and maintain public confidence in the probe’s integrity.
The protest in the Assembly on Friday was marked by a chaotic scene as BJP and JD(S) MLAs tore documents and raised slogans, accusing the government of attempting to cover up the matter. Karnataka Congress leaders, on the other hand, supported the action of the Speaker, asserting that the protesting opposition members had disrespected the House and disrupted the proceedings.
With the growing pressure from the opposition, the Karnataka government now faces a critical challenge in handling the investigation into the alleged “honey-trap” scandal. While the CM and Home Minister have assured a thorough inquiry, the opposition’s demand for an independent judicial investigation remains a key point of contention in the ongoing political debate.
