Key Takeaways
- Karnataka Minister KN Rajanna files plea with home minister in honey trap case
- Only Rajanna has publicly acknowledged being targeted in the honey trap case
- The home minister, Dr G Parameshwara, has cited procedural constraints before any action can be taken in the matter
Bengaluru: Karnataka Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna on Tuesday formally filed a petition with Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara, seeking legal action against individuals allegedly involved in honey trapping politicians across party lines.
This follows his recent revelation in the state legislative assembly that he and 48 other political functionaries were targeted in such attempts.
Clarifying his statement made in the assembly, Rajanna denied having mentioned that judges were among those affected. In a joint press conference with Dr Parameshwara, he recounted an incident where a woman, claiming to be a lawyer, visited his Bengaluru office twice along with a male associate. “I cannot recall her name, but if paraded before me, I will be able to identify her,” he stated, adding that his residence lacked CCTV cameras.
Despite earlier assurances in the assembly of a high-level inquiry once a formal complaint was submitted, Dr Parameshwara on Tuesday appeared non-commital, citing procedural constraints, asserting that as the matter was raised in the legislative assembly, Speaker UT Khader’s directive was necessary before any action could be taken.
Reacting to this stance, Speaker Khader remarked, “I am not aware of the home minister’s statement, but if Rajanna’s claims form part of the House records, then the assurance given by the home minister is also part of it. I shall review the minister’s statement and discuss it further.”
Dr Parameshwara described Rajanna’s submission as a “representation” rather than a formal complaint, adding that police intervention would only be possible upon receiving the Speaker’s directives.
The development comes at a critical juncture for the Congress government, as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah approaches the halfway mark of his tenure.
As of now, only Rajanna has publicly acknowledged being targeted.
