Congress leaders disappointed by honey-trap handling in Karnataka

The Congress party's top leaders are unhappy with how the recent honey-trap allegation was handled by the Karnataka government. The situation started when Cooperation Minister K.N. Rajanna claimed that 48 people, including politicians and judges, had been honey-trapped. Central leaders are concerned that this issue was raised in the Legislative Assembly instead of being settled internally within the party. Sources say the party leadership spoke critically to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar about the incident. They questioned why Rajanna, a supporter of Siddaramaiah, made such serious claims without the Chief Minister’s knowledge. Congress MPs from Karnataka met in Parliament to discuss the implications of the situation, which they feel has embarrassed the party. Siddaramaiah has promised a high-level investigation but has not provided details about it. Congress members believe that a strong statement from the Chief Minister could help resolve the issue quickly. They feel that not addressing the matter sooner has given the opposition BJP an opportunity to attack the government. The division within Karnataka's Congress party, between supporters of Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, has added to the government's negative image. Recently, AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge urged both leaders to work together for the state’s benefit. To improve unity, central leaders are considering changes to the party's political affairs committee.