In the ruthless battle for political supremacy, a centuries-old weapon has resurfaced—honeytraps. Strategically timed sex scandals have become a favored method to dismantle opponents, turning private weaknesses into public humiliation. While such scandals have a long history in Indian politics, they have evolved into more personal and venomous tactics, where technology, surveillance, and vendettas intertwine to ruin reputations and reshape power dynamics.
BJP legislator Ramesh Jarkiholi was one of the first high-profile victims in recent years when a sex tape forced him to resign from his ministerial position. Following this, Prajwal Revanna and Suraj Revanna, members of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda’s family, were also subjected to similar disgrace. Recently, Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna revealed that he and 48 other high-profile figures—including legislators, central leaders, and judges—had been targeted by an orchestrated campaign. However, insiders claim that many such incidents remain hidden, quietly resolved with financial settlements.
Political ethics expert Vivek Menon remarked, “The frequent emergence of sex scandals in Karnataka politics suggests a profound moral crisis, with these incidents becoming tools for power struggles.” He believes that these scandals highlight not only personal failings but a larger political culture where survival often takes precedence over governance.
Senior Congress leader and Supreme Court advocate Brijesh Kalappa explained that the rise of honeytraps marks a shift in Karnataka’s political landscape. “With immense financial stakes in politics, rivalries have intensified, turning politics into a brutal game. The means of warfare now matter less.”
Political analyst Prof. Ravindra Reshme added that honeytraps symbolize a deeper rot in Karnataka politics. “What started as caste-based politics soon morphed into a toxic mix of caste, money, and muscle power. Now, politics has become a gateway to instant wealth, making politicians vulnerable to ruthless attacks.”
Despite these lessons, many politicians continue to fall into these traps. With no clear solutions in sight, the question remains: Will politicians ever learn from their mistakes, or will the quest for power continue to be waged in the shadows?
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