Karnataka Minister K.N. Rajanna Discusses Honey-Trap Investigation Decisions with CM & HM

Tumakuru (Karnataka), April 1 (NationPress) Karnataka Cooperation Minister K.N. Rajanna, addressing the alleged efforts by political adversaries to honey-trap him, stated on Tuesday that certain details of the situation could not be revealed. He emphasized that the choice to initiate an investigation lies with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister G. Parameshwara.

Previously, Rajanna had mentioned in the Assembly that an attempt was made to honey-trap him in an effort to undermine his political career. This declaration has stirred considerable controversy within the state.

He has lodged a complaint with Home Minister Parameshwara, and the matter is currently under investigation by the CID.

While speaking to journalists at Siddaganga Mutt in Tumakuru, Rajanna remarked: "Let the inquiry into the honey-trap incident unfold as the government sees fit. If they wish to serve me a notice, let it be done."

"I am unaware if the case will be examined by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) or another entity. It is deplorable that certain individuals have resorted to such low tactics. I am not targeting anyone with this comment - this applies to myself as well," he added.

This incident has highlighted internal discord within the party, prompting intervention from Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress General Secretary responsible for Karnataka, Randeep Singh Surjewala, and General Secretary, Organisation, K.C. Venugopal.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is expected to travel to New Delhi on Wednesday to confer with senior party officials. Sources indicate that the issues surrounding the alleged honey-trap will be addressed alongside other significant topics.

In the meantime, the Kyatsandra police in Tumakuru have detained three individuals linked to a conspiracy to murder Rajanna’s MLC son, Rajendra Rajanna. Last Saturday, the Karnataka Police initiated an inquiry, filing FIRs against five individuals associated with the case.

MLC Rajendra has asserted in his complaint that due to his father's staunch support for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, numerous high-ranking politicians in Bengaluru harbor animosity towards him and are plotting to eliminate his political influence.

Following the emergence of an audio recording related to the case, police have arrested three individuals, including a woman.

Conversely, the CID has commenced its own investigation into the honey-trap attempt.

BJP MLA N. Munirathna has claimed that Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is implicated in the honey-trap allegation. However, Shivakumar has refuted these claims.

Notably, Rajanna traveled to New Delhi to discuss the potential replacement of Shivakumar as the Karnataka state party leader.

He also declared at a press conference in Delhi that he would be willing to resign as a minister to assume the role of state Congress President, currently held by Shivakumar.

Previously, Minister Rajanna advocated for the establishment of more Deputy Chief Minister positions and supported the idea of a Dalit CM for Karnataka.

Minister for PWD Satish Jarkiholi, commenting on the honey-trap controversy, has suggested the involvement of insiders within the party.

The FIR filed by MLC Rajendra has gained prominence in this context.

The Kyatsandra police in Tumakuru have filed an FIR against five individuals, identified as Soma, Bharat, Amit, Gunda, and Yatish, with Soma being a known history-sheeter.

The police have initiated charges under BNS Sections 109, 190, 329 (4), and 61 (2).