Chaos in Karnataka Assembly: 18 BJP MLAs Suspended Amid Honeytrap Scandal Row

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Assembly witnessed massive chaos on Friday as 18 BJP MLAs were suspended for six months for disrupting proceedings. The suspension was passed through a Bill tabled by Karnataka Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil and approved by Speaker UT Khader under Rule 348 of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly’s Rules of Procedure.

Suspended MLAs Evicted After Speaker’s Ruling

Following the Speaker’s ruling, the suspended MLAs were asked to leave the Assembly premises immediately. However, BJP members argued with marshals, leading to further disorder inside the House.

The list of suspended MLAs includes:

1. Doddanagouda H. Patil (Chief Whip of the Opposition)
2. Dr. Ashwath Narayan C.N.
3. Shri S.R. Vishwanath
4. Shri B.A. Basavaraj
5. Shri M.R. Patil
6. Shri Channabasappa (Channi)
7. Shri B. Suresh Gowda
8. Shri Umanath A. Kotyan
9. Shri Sharanu Salagar
10. Dr. Shailendra Beldale
11. Shri C.K. Ramamurthy
12. Shri Yashpal A. Suvarna
13. Shri B.P. Harish
14. Dr. Bharath Shetty Y.
15. Shri Munirathna
16. Shri Basavaraj Mattimood
17. Shri Dheeraj Muniraju
18. Dr. Chandru Lamani

Suspension Rules and Restrictions

During their six-month suspension, these MLAs:

• Cannot enter the Assembly hall, lobby, or galleries
• Cannot participate in standing committee meetings
• Cannot have any subject listed under their names
• Cannot issue official directives
• Cannot vote in committee elections
• Will not receive daily allowances

Honeytrap Scandal Sparks Political Firestorm

The suspension came amid heated protests over the alleged honeytrap scandal. Opposition BJP and JD(S) leaders stormed into the Well of the House, demanding an answer from the Congress government. They waved posters and CDs, chanting slogans like, “Guaranteed... Guaranteed... Honeytrap Guarantee!”...“Minister, Beware! MLA, Beware! Honeytrap is coming!”

While the uproar continued, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addressed the Assembly, responding to the ongoing Budget debate. 

Also Read: Honeytrap Controversy Rocks Karnataka Assembly, Minister Claims 48 MLAs Targeted

Honeytrap Controversy Shakes Karnataka Assembly

The Karnataka Government on Thursday announced a high-level investigation into claims that 48 MLAs have been victims of honey traps over the past 20 years.

BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal raised concerns in the Assembly, alleging that organised gangs were targeting multiple Congress ministers. Responding to the claims, Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna revealed that he himself was recently targeted in a honey-trapping attempt.

‘48 MLAs Have Been Victims’

Rajanna stated, “There is talk that a minister from Tumkuru has been a victim of a honey trap. There are only two of us from Tumkuru—one is me, and the other is the Home Minister.”

He further added, “This is not a new issue. A total of 48 members are said to have been victims. Many have obtained a stay order from the High Court. This problem exists on both sides, and now my name is also being dragged in.”

Also Read: Republic Kannada Access Karnataka Govt Draft Bill Proposing Salary Increase

Pen Drive Scandal & Allegations of Blackmail

Rajanna alleged that character assassination had been carried out using pen drives. He also mentioned that leaders across party lines had discussed the issue.

He revealed that politicians like Ramesh Jarkiholi, Revanna, and Prajwal Revanna had secured stay orders regarding the controversial pen drives. “A total of 48 pen drives have been prepared in connection with this case. This blackmail must come to an end,” Rajanna stressed.

Following Rajanna’s statement, Home Minister G Parameshwara assured the Assembly that he would order a probe.

Earlier, Public Works Development Minister Satish Jarkiholi had also revealed that two ministers in the current government had been targeted in honey-trapping attempts.

BJP Minister Previously Caught in Honey Trap

In 2021, BJP minister Ramesh Jarkiholi was forced to resign after allegedly being honey-trapped. The woman involved filed a rape case, which is still pending in court. However, an SIT investigation suggested it might have been a case of honey trapping rather than rape.