Sun Feb 22 15:33:49 UTC 2026: # BJP MLA Chandru Lamani Arrested in Bribery Case, Sparks Political Accusations

The Story:

Chandru Lamani, a BJP MLA from Shirahatti, was arrested by Lokayukta police on February 22, 2026, in Gadag for allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹5 lakh from a contractor, Vijayraj Pujar. The arrest followed the circulation of an audio clip where Lamani is purportedly heard threatening Pujar over an unspecified past issue. The incident has triggered a political storm, with BJP leaders claiming the arrest is a conspiracy orchestrated by Congress leaders, including district in-charge Minister H.K. Patil and Krishnagouda Patil. BJP supporters attempted to obstruct the police transport of Lamani to Bengaluru.

The Gadag District Contractors Association president, Vishwanath Patil, defended Lamani, claiming the allegations are false and that the MLA has been supportive of contractors. He also highlighted the issue of pending bills owed to contractors by the state government, suggesting that complaints against MLAs could jeopardize the bill clearance process. Police sources revealed that this isn’t the first time Lamani has been under Lokayukta scrutiny; he previously faced a case for allegedly accepting a bribe while working as a government duty doctor.

Key Points:

  • Chandru Lamani, BJP MLA, arrested for allegedly accepting a ₹5 lakh bribe.
  • Arrest followed circulation of an audio clip of Lamani allegedly threatening the complainant.
  • BJP leaders claim the arrest is a political conspiracy by Congress leaders.
  • Gadag District Contractors Association president defends Lamani.
  • Lamani previously faced Lokayukta scrutiny as a government doctor.
  • The arrest occurred on February 22, 2026.

Key Takeaways:

  • The arrest of a sitting MLA on bribery charges highlights ongoing issues of corruption in Indian politics.
  • The immediate accusations of political conspiracy suggest a highly polarized political environment where legal actions are quickly framed as politically motivated.
  • The contractors’ association’s defense of the MLA, tied to concerns about pending bills, points to the complex interplay between political influence and bureaucratic processes.
  • Lamani’s prior history with Lokayukta investigations raises questions about vetting processes for political candidates.
  • The incident underscores the challenges faced by contractors in navigating the system and securing payments.

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