BJP leaders deny any irregularities in Covid management

Bengaluru: Revenue Minister R Ashok on Thursday accused the opposition Congress of trying to mislead people by making false accusations against the ruling state government at the time of a pandemic.

“The opposition must unite with the government to tackle the coronavirus but they are doing politics,” said Ashok.

The BJP convened a joint press conference, attended by Deputy Chief Minister Dr.Ashwath Narayan, Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai, Health Minister Sriramulu, Medical Education Minister K Sudhakar and R Ashok to address clarify on allegations of large-scale corruption in COVID management.

Earlier in the day, former chief minister Siddaramaiah said that at least Rs 2,000 crore has been pocketed by the ministers and officials demanded a judicial inquiry by a sitting judge of the high court.

Ashok sought to know from Congress if they had purchased 36 ventilators in January 2019 from the Moon.

Further he said that DKShivkuamr might have hinted at Siddaramaiah when he said ministers are not visiting Covid hospitals. “DK Shivakumar has gone to one hospital and made such big claims. BJP ministers have been visiting all hospitals,” he said.

Dr.Ashwath Narayan later said that the BJP was ready to answer the Congress if they raise questions in the floor of the House. However the Congress leaders are making these allegations on the streets. How are we supposed to reply them? he asked.

Clarifiying on procurement of ventilator from China, Narayan said that in initial days ventilators were not available in the country and hence procured from China.