Bengaluru: Lokayukta police in Karnataka on Saturday caught BJP MLA Dr. Chandru Lamani red-handed while accepting a bribe. BJP MLA from Shirahatti constituency Chandru Lamani and two of his associates were arrested in Lakshmeshwar town of Gadag district while accepting a bribe of ₹5 lakh. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Congress leader DK Shivakumar, mocking the BJP MLA’s arrest, told ANI that BJP members cannot be corrupt because the party’s leaders are the most honest. He added that the Lokayukta may have received incorrect information.
What did the Lokayukta police say about the MLA’s arrest?
According to the Lokayukta police, a contractor, Vijay Poojaar, had complained that the MLA and his associates had demanded a total bribe of ₹11 lakh for work related to the Minor Irrigation Department (MID), such as constructing a retaining wall along a road. Acting on this complaint, police laid a trap and caught them at Balaji Hospital around 2:15 pm on Saturday while accepting the first installment of ₹5 lakh. The Lokayukta police have registered a case in this regard, and action has been taken against the MLA and his associates under sections 7(a) and 7(A) of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
“Aren’t BJP leaders the most honest in the country?”
Reacting to the BJP MLA’s arrest, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar sarcastically said, “Aren’t BJP leaders the most honest in the country? BJP members cannot be corrupt. You must have been misinformed. The Lokayukta must have given its statement, and then I will comment. BJP leaders are corruption-free. The Lokayukta must have received misinformation.” Shivakumar also targeted the BJP’s position in Assam. He said that there is a strong anti-incumbency wave against the BJP in Assam, and people want to change the government.
“The BJP is weakening and losing in Assam.”
DK Shivakumar said, “If the BJP were strong in Assam, why would it try to induct our former state Congress president, Bhupen Kumar Bora, into the party?” None of our workers went with him. This clearly shows that the BJP is weakening and losing.” Bhupen Kumar Bora is scheduled to join the BJP on February 22nd. He recently resigned from the Congress. This development is considered significant amid preparations for the Assam Assembly elections. It should be noted that DK Shivakumar is the Congress observer for the Assam Assembly elections.
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