Karnataka's Covid Scam Controversy: Siddaramaiah Takes Aim at BJP

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah criticizes BJP on alleged Rs 2000 crore 'Covid scam' under Yediyurappa's tenure. Siddaramaiah awaits the D'Cunha Commission report to validate corruption claims. Karnataka Minister Rao emphasizes the commission's indictment of Yediyurappa and a potential Rs 14 crore state loss.

In a strong critique against the Bharatiya Janata Party, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah accused the previous Yediyurappa government of engaging in a Rs 2000 crore 'Covid scam'. Allegations center on rampant corruption linked to the procurement of medical equipment during the pandemic, as revealed at a press conference in Ballari.

The Chief Minister disclosed that findings from the D'Cunha Commission, established to investigate these claims, are pending. Siddaramaiah, reflecting on his tenure as Leader of the Opposition, where he flagged these issues, insisted the actual details would emerge post-report submission. Former CM Yediyurappa refuted these accusations as false narratives propagated by the opposition.

Further allegations arise from Karnataka Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, who asserts the D'Cunha Commission's report clearly implicates Yediyurappa and his health minister B Sriramulu. Emphasizing the commission's exhaustive 1500-page investigation, Rao dismissed BJP's claims of political vendetta, advocating for legal recourse under the Prevention of Corruption Act regarding the estimated Rs 14 crore financial loss.

(With inputs from agencies.)