Karnataka Assembly Faces Aftermath of Honey Trap Controversy for Second Day
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Synopsis
The honey trap controversy continues to disrupt the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, with BJP leaders asserting it is a power struggle. The allegations involve potential attempts to compromise political figures, raising concerns about safety and integrity within the assembly.
Key Takeaways
- Honey trap allegations have shaken the Karnataka Assembly.
- BJP claims the issue is a power struggle.
- Calls for investigation from various leaders.
- Concerns over the safety of ministers and legislators.
- Implications for morality in politics.
Bengaluru, March 21 (NationPress) The honey trap controversy continued to shake the Karnataka Legislative Assembly for the second day on Friday, with the BJP asserting that the matter is merely a power struggle.
The BJP alleged that a member of the Congress prompted its MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal to bring the issue to the Assembly's attention, questioning the internal dynamics of the long-standing party.
BJP General Secretary and MLA V. Sunil Kumar highlighted that both a cabinet minister and a Congress member of the Legislative Council have indicated that efforts were made to honeytrap him.
Kumar asserted that this honey trap scandal is fundamentally about a power struggle, and if any of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's cabinet members are implicated, they should be dismissed.
He expressed concern, stating: "If this is not addressed, there will be no moral authority left. What was the intelligence department doing while an attempt to honeytrap a minister was underway? If a Congress leader or even a BJP leader is implicated, action should be taken. One minister has claimed outside the House that a minister from his own government is involved, while another minister stated in the Assembly that he was targeted and has asked the Home Minister to conduct an investigation."
Kumar noted that the Chief Minister is the senior-most member of the House after Congress MLA R.V. Deshpande and should maintain the Assembly's dignity.
The Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly, R. Ashoka, stated that honey trapping is a matter of concern for all members and called for an inquiry by a sitting judge of the High Court.
"If even a minister feels vulnerable, what about the others? This is a significant mafia. If individuals are willing to go to such lengths to secure the Chief Minister's position or other political roles, where does that leave us?" Ashoka questioned.
State BJP President B. Y. Vijayendra reiterated that this issue affects every member and demanded a thorough investigation.
Minister Priyank Kharge expressed his agreement with BJP MLA Kumar, saying, "Morality must be preserved. We represent millions of people, and our actions reflect their mandate."
BJP MLA and former Home Minister Araga Jnanendra mentioned that one of the Chief Ministers had previously voiced concerns about the risk of physical assault, which is documented.
"If ministers and legislators are not shielded from honey-trapping attempts aimed at politically eliminating them, this illustrates the lowest point politics can reach. A minister expressing his powerlessness in the Assembly is profoundly alarming," he stressed.
BJP MLA Suresh Gowda alleged, "Even though our MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal raised the honey trap issue, he had received a note from one of the ministers before the session. This must be investigated. What is occurring within the Congress party?"
