PM Modi govt showing bias against Karnataka in allocating Covid resources, alleges HDK

Bengaluru: Janata Dal (Secular) leader and former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi led BJP government in the centre is showing ‘serious bias’ to the state government led by the same party.

Criticising the Centre for not allocating resources as demanded by the Karnataka state government to combat the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Kumaraswamy said, “The Centre should shun the arrogance that comes from the belief that it is most powerful and instead take measures to fulfil the genuine requirements of Karnataka. We have so far tolerated injustice meted out to our state regarding compensation and allocation. But let us not tolerate the injustice with respect to life.”

“Why the Centre has so much contempt against Karnataka and Kannadigas? Is it due to the fact that Karnataka has elected the highest MPs for the BJP or is it an effort to project Yediyurappa as a villain?” he questioned.

“Oxygen is the need of the hour for Karnataka. If as Kannadigas we do not question the injustice being meted out to Karnataka in this regard, we cannot get justice with respect to other issues. Though the Centre gave only 120 MT of oxygen as against the Court instruction of 1200 MT, the Union Ministers and BJP MPs have fallen over to congratulate PM Narendra Modi and thank him for giving oxygen. Will they own up responsibility for a large number of Kannadigas losing their lives due to the shortage of oxygen?” he asked.

He further questioned, “Are those supporting as well as defending every stand and decision of the BJP and criticizing even the just demands and suggestions of the Opposition parties ready to defend such an injustice being inflicted on Karnataka and Kannadigas?”

Further speaking about the vaccine shortage in the state he said, “The Chief Secretary himself has expressed helplessness with respect to the availability of vaccines. He has said that those wanting to take the first dose will have to wait as (a) priority would be given to those taking the second dose in the wake of Centre supplying only 7 lakh doses to Karnataka as against the request to provide 3 crore doses. This has proved that the Centre is showing an attitude of bias even with respect to vaccines.”