'Man visited me...with different women': Karnataka minister files honey-trap complaint
What's the story
Karnataka Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna has officially filed a complaint with the state's Home Minister G Parameshwara. This comes after his recent claim in the Karnataka Assembly that he and 48 other politicians from different parties had been victims of a honey trap racket. Rajanna's three-page petition describes the alleged honey trap incident and requests action against those involved.
Clarification
Rajanna clarifies his allegations
Addressing a press conference with Home Minister G Parameshwara, Rajanna sought to clarify his earlier statement in the assembly. He denied ever saying that judges were among the victims of this alleged honeytrap scheme. He recounted the incident when a woman and a man visited him twice at his Bengaluru office under the pretext of discussing legal matters.
Government stance
Home minister's response to the honeytrap allegations
Despite assuring a thorough probe after Rajanna filed a formal complaint earlier, Home Minister Parameshwara sounded non-committal on Tuesday. Citing procedural limitations, he said Speaker UT Khader was the "custodian of the discussion," and he needed his assistance for any further action. Responding to him, Khader confirmed he would go through Rajanna's statement and discuss it further.
Party dilemma
Congress party faces dilemma over honeytrap allegations
The Congress party has found itself in a tight spot because of Rajanna's complaint. A minister argued that if names are revealed in an inquiry, it would affect their credibility. However, not starting an inquiry would invite further controversy. "Now, even if we consider half the number of what Rajanna claimed have been targeted and their names are revealed, it would become a big scandal for the party to deal with," said another party functionary.