Honeytraps used in Karnataka political battles for sabotage

Bengaluru: Recently, political rivals in India have been using honeytraps to gain an advantage. These traps involve scandals designed to damage the reputations of opponents through personal scandals. This strategy has become more common, signifying a troubling shift in political ethics. High-profile cases include BJP legislator Ramesh Jarkiholi, who resigned after a sex tape was released. Other politicians, like Prajwal Revanna and Suraj Revanna from the family of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, have also faced similar situations. Cooperation minister KN Rajanna claims he and 48 others have been targeted in a planned attack. Experts believe this trend reflects a deepening crisis in political ethics. Vivek Menon, a campaigner for ethics in politics, notes that these scandals risk eroding public trust while also being used as weapons against rivals. He emphasizes that politics has shifted focus from governance to mere survival. Senior Congress leader Brijesh Kalappa argues that honeytraps have become a major tactic for political destruction. As political ambition grows fueled by financial benefits, rivalries are becoming more aggressive, resembling business conflicts. Despite the risks, many politicians still fall victim to these traps. Political analyst Prof. Ravindra Reshme thinks honeytraps indicate a broader issue in Karnataka’s politics. He suggests that the intertwining of caste, money, and power has created a political landscape where personal interests overshadow party values. As politicians seek quick wealth and status, they become vulnerable targets in this ruthless environment. The ongoing use of honeytraps raises concerns about the future of political integrity. Without efforts to address these tactics, it remains uncertain whether politicians will change their behavior or continue to engage in battles that extend beyond just politics.