Rajanna Postpones Complaint in Honey-Trap Controversy; Karnataka Leaders to Consult Congress High Command
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The honey-trap saga in Karnataka intensifies as ministers and MLAs seek guidance from the Congress high command regarding the involvement of a key state leader. Minister Rajanna delays his complaint, raising concerns while political tensions escalate.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka honey-trap controversy gaining momentum.
- Minister K.N. Rajanna delays filing a complaint.
- Opposition demands judicial or CBI investigation.
- High command advises Rajanna to hold off on the complaint.
- Deputy CM Shivakumar denies allegations of involvement.
Bengaluru, March 24 (NationPress) The honey-trap scandal in Karnataka is escalating, as a coalition of ministers and MLAs are set to consult the high command regarding the purported involvement of a prominent leader within the state Congress.
This leader allegedly attempted to honey-trap Minister for Cooperation, K.N. Rajanna, with the aim of politically sidelining him.
In the meantime, Minister Rajanna announced on Monday that he would file a complaint with the Home Minister at a suitable time.
The postponement in lodging the complaint has raised eyebrows.
Last Friday, Minister Rajanna claimed in the Assembly that opponents were trying to honey-trap him and had expressed his intent to file a complaint.
In reaction, Home Minister G. Parameshwara declared that a high-level investigation would be initiated. However, Minister Rajanna has yet to submit his complaint.
The Opposition has caused a stir in the Assembly, demanding a judicial or CBI inquiry into the allegations. This led to chaotic protests and the suspension of 18 BJP MLAs for six months.
BJP MLA N. Munirathna has accused Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Congress President, D.K. Shivakumar, of orchestrating the honey-trap scheme.
Shivakumar, in response to these allegations, denied any wrongdoing, asserting that no one would attempt to honey-trap a leader without justification.
Sources suggest that the high command, acknowledging the gravity of the situation, has advised Minister Rajanna to delay the filing of the complaint and await further instructions.
Furthermore, it has been confirmed that Minister for PWD, Satish Jarkiholi, a close ally of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, is set to travel to Delhi to provide insights about the honey-trapping scandal to Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi.
Reports indicate that Jarkiholi will remain in Delhi for three days to facilitate a meeting with LoP Gandhi. Additionally, a cadre of ministers and MLAs is expected to accompany him, according to sources.
During a press conference on Monday, when queried about the timing of his complaint, Minister Rajanna stated, “I will file the complaint at an appropriate time. I have not established a precise timeline for it yet.”
Regarding Munirathna’s assertion that Deputy CM Shivakumar was behind the honey trap attempt, Minister Rajanna responded, “I’m not aware of that.”
When asked about Munirathna’s demand for him to undergo a narco-analysis test, Rajanna remarked, “First, BJP MLA Munirathna should take the test as he was previously allied with Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar.”
Previously, Rajanna had mentioned on the Assembly floor that nearly 48 individuals, including judges and central leaders, have been honey-trapped in the state.
In response to Rajanna’s claims, BJP MLA N. Munirathna expressed on Monday in Bengaluru that he is prepared to disclose all information publicly without undergoing a narco-analysis test. “I’m pleased that Minister Rajanna has acknowledged the facts,” he stated.
The state Congress party is experiencing swift developments concerning the honey-trap scandal.
Sources confirmed that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah met AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday to deliberate on the issue. Party chief Kharge has opted for further discussions in New Delhi. However, he informed the media that CM Siddaramaiah is visiting Delhi in connection with the two-year completion of his government in Karnataka.
Home Minister G. Parameshwara, when questioned about the controversy, stated on Monday that he has yet to receive a complaint from Minister Rajanna. “Without a complaint, we cannot initiate action. There must be a cause for action. Without an FIR, no action can be taken,” he noted.
