Karnataka honey trap row explained: How obscene videos of nearly 50 politicians, judges sparked a turmoil

The Karnataka honey trap controversy began on Wednesday when KN Rajanna, the Cooperation Minister, revealed that he had been targeted in a honey trap scheme during an assembly session.

Rajanna’s admission followed accusations from former BJP Minister V Sunil Kumar, who accused the Congress government of orchestrating what he called a "honey trap factory," reported TOI. BJP legislator Basanagouda Patil Yatnal further said that a senior Congress politician was involved in the matter.

According to the Oxford dictionary, 'honey trap' or 'honey trapping' refers to "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 statements caused an uproar in the assembly, and during the debate, BJP lawmakers stormed into the well of the House, demanding a judicial inquiry into the matter.

Rajanna claimed that not only had he been targeted, but other politicians were also victims of similar traps, leading to the claim that 48 politicians from different political parties, including Congress, BJP, and JDS, had been 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 further claimed, according to TOI.

He demanded a thorough investigation, and the Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara assured the assembly that a high-level probe would be ordered into the matter.

The alleged honey trap attempts

As the controversy deepened, Karnataka Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi revealed that there had been two failed attempts to honey trap a senior state minister, reported TOI.

He emphasised the need for a police investigation to uncover those behind the honey trap attempts and hold them accountable.

Rajanna, in his statements, went further, claiming that these traps were being orchestrated by political figures with hidden agendas. He alleged that the purpose of the honey traps was not just to discredit individuals but also to manipulate political contests for personal gain.

The issue gained further momentum when Rajanna’s comments were backed by several other ministers, including Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who also called for an investigation into the matter.

Political fallout

In response to the uproar, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah defended his government, stating that there would be no protection for anyone involved in the honey trap scandal.

The Congress veteran assured that a fair investigation would be carried out, and anyone found guilty would be punished according to the law.

Siddaramaiah’s comments, however, did little to quell the opposition's demands for a judicial inquiry.

The BJP’s Leader of Opposition, R Ashoka, condemned the scandal, calling it a conspiracy aimed at defaming legislators and derailing the work of elected representatives.

Meanwhile, Home Minister G Parameshwara and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stated that the investigation would be initiated once Rajanna submitted a formal complaint.

Parameshwara's announcement about a high-level probe was met with mixed reactions, with the opposition calling for immediate action while the ruling party leaders urged for a methodical and impartial inquiry.

(With TOI & agency inputs)