Bengaluru: Governing Congress finds itself in a precarious situation after cooperation minister KN Rajanna‘s formal representation to home minister G Parameshwara on the alleged honeytrap case. While Rajanna’s move has put the govt under pressure to act, Parameshwara’s response suggests an immediate investigation is unlikely.
“We will have to discuss modalities on how to proceed with the investigation since Rajanna has only given me representation,” Parameshwara said. “I am not the competent authority to accept complaints. Only police can accept complaints and complainants must submit proof.”
Senior Congress functionaries admit the party faces a difficult dilemma. A minister said: “It is a serious catch-22 situation for Congress. If an investigation is taken to its logical conclusion and names tumble out that so and so from the party are involved, then it is a huge dent to our credibility. But if an investigation is not carried out, then it becomes a bigger talking point. The credibility of the minister for raising the issue in the legislature will be questioned and it will reflect poorly on the party.”
The issue has gained a certain gravity as Rajanna’s remarks were made on the floor of the legislature, making it impossible for the govt to ignore. “If the minister had made the allegations outside the House, then repercussions could have been dealt with separately. But the fact that he raised the issue in the assembly means the govt cannot sit idle and not take any action,” another minister said.
Rajanna has defended his remarks, saying his intent was to ensure that such cases do not escalate in future. But, within Congress, the issue is seen as a potential crisis waiting to unfold. “At present, only one name has been declared,” a party functionary said. “Now, even if we consider half the number of what Rajanna claimed is true and their names are revealed, then it becomes a bigger scandal for the party to deal with.”
Meanwhile, sources in the chief minister’s office suggest CM Siddaramaiah is awaiting details of Rajanna’s complaint before deciding on the next step.
Adding to the intrigue, sources suggest the timing of the controversy — just months ahead of Siddaramaiah completing 30 months as CM — could be linked to internal political manoeuvring. Some suggest the controversy may be part of a larger ploy to pave the way for KPCC president and deputy CM DK Shivakumar to take over for the remaining 30 months.
