Karnataka's deputy CM mocked BJP over MLA's bribery arrest, urged caution on protests, and cited Assam's anti-incumbency.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar mocked the BJP on February 21, 2026, after BJP MLA Chandru Lamani was arrested by the Lokayukta on bribery charges, sarcastically questioning the party’s reputation for honesty. He urged waiting for the official investigation report before commenting further. Responding to BJP claims that Youth Congress protests at an AI summit were anti-national, Shivakumar said he would assess the situation after gathering more information. Earlier, he cited strong anti-incumbency sentiment in Assam, pointing to the BJP’s recruitment of former Congress leader Bhupen Kumar Borah as evidence of political weakness, noting no Congress workers accompanied him.