Bengaluru: Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly R Ashoka on Thursday demanded that Chief Minister D K Shivakumar file a police complaint and ensure registration of an FIR over the alleged honey-trap attempt targeting him and five to six cabinet ministers.
Ashoka questioned why the chief minister had not initiated legal action despite reportedly claiming to possess documents, photographs and information about those allegedly involved.
“This is not a personal matter; it concerns the dignity of the entire government and the law and order situation in the state,” Ashoka said. He asked what the allegations meant for the safety of ordinary citizens if even the chief minister and cabinet ministers were vulnerable to such attempts.
The BJP leader said that if the chief minister had evidence, it should be handed over to investigators and legal action initiated against those responsible. He also called on Shivakumar to disclose the identities of the alleged perpetrators, if known, and cooperate with the investigation.
Ashoka urged the government to establish whether the alleged attempt involved the Congress, BJP, JD(S) or any other political party, arguing that suspicion should not be cast on political parties without specific evidence.
He also referred to statements by minister Satish Jarkiholi, saying they had raised further questions about the matter. Ashoka said allegations concerning the personal lives of cabinet ministers, if raised in the legislative Assembly, warranted appropriate legal action.
The opposition leader called for an official statement clarifying the background of the allegations, the nature of the evidence available and the steps taken by the government.
He said an impartial investigation was necessary to establish the facts and ensure action against anyone found guilty.