Former Minister H.C. Mahadevappa has demanded a judicial probe into the alleged corruption by the State government in purchasing equipment to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic and also sought a white paper on the issue.
At a joint press conference with another former Minister and MLA Priyank Kharge in Yadgir on Saturday, he demanded that a High Court sitting Judge probe the issue.
“Both the Central and the State governments failed to deal with the pandemic. Infected persons are dying without proper medical care. Private hospitals are denying treatment despite suggestions But, instead of attending to such serious issues and ensure proper healthcare, the State government was involved in corruption,” he alleged and added that around ₹2,000 crore was estimated to be misappropriated.
‘People misled’
Mr. Priyank Kharge said the State government mishandled the pandemic and mislead the people. “The government itself has been infected by COVID-19 virus by involving in corruption.”
He said the Congress, as a responsible Opposition party, has extended cooperation to the government to handle the pandemic. “But, what has the State government done? It purchased medical equipment, including PPE kits, at higher prices. It was more than double when compared to other States which purchased the same at lower prices from the same companies.”
The Congress will not support corruption and will fight against the government, he said
He also targeted the government for focusing only on Bengaluru and appointing eight Ministers for supervising it and neglecting the rest of Karnataka.
“The entire State has been drastically affected by the virus, with thousands getting infected and a number of patients dying everyday. However, the government has not been providing good facilities,” he added.
