The Karnataka honey trap controversy erupted on Wednesday when Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna disclosed during an assembly session that he had been a target of a honey trap scheme. Rajanna’s revelation came after former BJP Minister V Sunil Kumar accused the Congress government of running what he described as a "honey trap factory," according to The Times of India. Additionally, BJP legislator Basanagouda Patil Yatnal alleged that a senior Congress leader was involved in the scandal.

Shortly after allegations of a honeytrap scandal resurfaced in Karnataka politics, chaos erupted in the state Assembly. In response to the controversy, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah assured that a fair and unbiased investigation would be conducted. He also vowed that anyone involved would face consequences regardless of their political affiliation.

 Oxford Dictionary defines 'honey trap' or 'honey trapping' as "a strategy where an attractive person, often a woman, uses romantic or sexual relationships to gain information or influence from a target, potentially for political, monetary, or personal gain."

Rajanna’s remarks sparked a major uproar in the assembly, with BJP lawmakers rushing to the well of the House during the debate, demanding a judicial inquiry into the issue. He alleged that he was not the only target but that several other politicians had also been trapped similarly. He claims that 48 politicians from various parties, including Congress, BJP, and JDS, were involved in the scandal.

“I am not alone; 48 others, including legislators, central leaders, and judges, have been honey-trapped, and their obscene videos have been made,” Rajanna also asserted, as per the TOI.

Rajanna called for a thorough investigation into the matter, prompting Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara to assure the assembly that a high-level probe would be initiated. As the controversy escalated, Karnataka Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi disclosed that there had been two unsuccessful attempts to 'honeytrap' a senior state minister, as reported by The Times of India. He stressed the need for a police investigation to identify those responsible and ensure they are held accountable. Rajanna went further, alleging that political figures with hidden motives orchestrated these honey traps. According to him, the objective was to tarnish reputations and manipulate political contests for personal advantage.

The issue gained traction when several ministers, including Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, supported Rajanna’s claims and demanded an investigation.

Amid the uproar, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah defended his government, asserting that no one involved in the honey trap scandal would be shielded. The senior Congress leader assured that a fair investigation would be conducted and that anyone found guilty would face legal consequences.

However, his remarks did little to satisfy the opposition, which continued to demand a judicial inquiry. BJP’s Leader of Opposition, R. Ashoka, denounced the scandal, calling it a conspiracy designed to tarnish the reputation of legislators and disrupt the work of elected representatives.

Home Minister G. Parameshwara and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated that an investigation would begin once Rajanna filed a formal complaint. Parameshwara’s announcement of a high-level probe received mixed reactions. While the opposition pushed for immediate action, leaders from the ruling party emphasised the need for a thorough and unbiased inquiry.

Speaking in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Thursday, Minister Rajanna stated that the state had become a hub for pen drives and CDs. He further asserted that the problem was not confined to Karnataka but extended beyond state boundaries. “This is not limited to our state alone. This includes pen drives of many national-level party leaders. In this regard, I request to the Home Minister that I will file a written complaint. Based on that complaint, he should get an investigation done."