Bengaluru, Oct 8 (IANS) Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly R. Ashoka on Thursday demanded that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar make public the details of the alleged “honey trap” attempts he has referred to and ensure a formal investigation into the matter.
Ashoka’s remarks came after Shivakumar claimed that an attempt had been made to trap him through a sting operation after he became Chief Minister and said he possessed photographs and documents to substantiate his allegations.
Addressing the media in Bengaluru, Ashoka said the issue was not a personal matter but one concerning the dignity, security and credibility of the government.
He noted that Shivakumar had stated that a “honey trap” attempt was made against him and several Cabinet ministers and questioned why no FIR had been registered despite the Chief Minister claiming to possess evidence and information about those involved.
“If the Chief Minister himself is saying that a trap was set for him and for ministers, then where is law and order in the state?” Ashoka asked.
He said that if Shivakumar had records, photographs and details of those allegedly involved, legal action should have been initiated.
“The Chief Minister says he has records, photographs and knows who did it. Then why was no complaint filed? Why was no FIR registered?” Ashoka asked.
He urged the Chief Minister to stop making allegations without action and place the facts before the public.
Ashoka said the Chief Minister heads the state’s intelligence framework and that possessing information without initiating legal proceedings raised serious questions.
Referring to claims that attempts had been made against several ministers, he asked whether those responsible belonged to the Congress, BJP, JD(S) or some other group and demanded the government disclose the details.
He further demanded that Shivakumar personally file a complaint and ensure a formal investigation.
“Since the Chief Minister has said the evidence is with him, he himself must file the complaint. There must be an investigation. Whoever is guilty, action must be taken against them,” he said.
Ashoka argued that the matter affected the image of the entire government and should not be treated as an individual issue.
He also referred to statements made by Minister Satish Jarkiholi and said they had generated further speculation, making it necessary for the government to clarify the matter officially.
The BJP leader said that if the Chief Minister’s allegations were true, an FIR should be registered immediately; if not, the government should clarify the situation.
He also dismissed attempts to frame the issue as a North India-South India debate, saying the focus should be on identifying those responsible.
Ashoka said the state was facing pressing issues such as drought, financial challenges and law-and-order concerns and alleged that confusion over such claims diverted attention from governance.
Calling for transparency, he urged the government to reveal the facts, register an FIR and conduct an impartial investigation.
“Chief Minister, stop firing shots in the air. You have said you have the evidence. Make it public. You have said you know who did it. Name them. File a complaint, get an FIR registered and have an investigation conducted,” Ashoka said.
–IANS
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