Honey-trap row disrupts Karnataka assembly again; BJP MLAs create ruckus
What's the story
The honey trap controversy in Karnataka has disrupted state assembly proceedings yet again.
On Friday, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders brandished CDs as symbolic evidence of blackmail and coercion.
The issue was highlighted on Thursday by Cooperative Minister KN Rajanna, who disclosed that 48 politicians, including key figures from various political parties, had been victims of this elaborate political deception.
Evidence presented
BJP leaders display CDs as evidence
In response, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah assured the assembly that his government wouldn't shield anyone in the scandal.
"Anyone found guilty under law must be punished," he said.
"Bringing up the matter again is unnecessary," Siddaramaiah said, adding that no matter "who orchestrated the honey trap, it was undoubtedly wrong."
Assembly chaos
BJP intensifies protests as assembly proceedings disrupted
The ongoing session was aggravated when a BJP MLA mockingly asked the government how much it had budgeted for honey traps.
This drew a retort from Siddaramaiah, who stuck to his stance that the matter would be investigated.
The tussle heated up the BJP's protests, with its MLAs rushing into the well of the House and raising slogans to disrupt proceedings.
Video shared by ANI showed legislators surrounding the speaker with pieces of paper flying about.
Inquiry demand
BJP MLA demands independent inquiry into honey trap scandal
The BJP leaders were demanding an inquiry by the CBI, but Siddaramiah said that Home Minister G Parmeshwara had already set up an inquiry.
BJP MLA Bharath Shetty criticized the Congress party's alleged hypocrisy on the honey trap scandal, noting that there were complaints from within the BJP itself.
Another BJP MLA, Aravind Bellad, demanded an independent inquiry into "the biggest scam that has happened on the floor of the House in Vidhana Soudha."
BJP
Scandal was planned by Congress to win CM seat: BJP
The controversy started when former BJP minister V Sunil Kumar accused the Congress of running a "honey-trap factory" and demanded strict action.
The allegations were backed by BJP legislator Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, who alleged that the scandal was planned by Congress to win the CM seat.
"We hear speculation that some people who have set their eyes on the CM post are indulging...activities to defame their political opponents. In future, they may target anyone depending on their need," Yatnal said.
Probe
High-level probe ordered
On Thursday, Parameshwara ordered a high-level investigation into the alleged honey trap attempts.
"If we have to save the dignity of our members, we have to put a brake on such incidents," he said.
The announcement came after Karnataka Police on March 13 arrested two women, aged 23 and 27, for allegedly honey-trapping a BJP leader in the Tumakuru district.
BJP leader Annappa Swamy alleged that a woman befriended him on Facebook and thereafter blackmailed him with their intimate tapes.