Siddaramaiah dares PM Modi to address Covid-19 corruption claims against BJP

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi address the allegations of corruption against the BJP during its tenure in the state, particularly concerning the management of Covid-19.
The Chief Minister aimed his guns at the BJP’s handling of Covid-19, highlighting a specific case of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits. Siddaramaiah alleged that a PPE kit, originally priced at Rs 330, was purchased for over Rs 2,100 per piece during the BJP’s rule in the state.

An enquiry report led by Justice Michael D’Cunha revealed mismanagement of pandemic-related funds, with Rs 6.93 crore improperly paid to 14 unaccredited private labs and Rs 4.28 crore given to eight labs without formal agreements, violating central government regulations. The report was submitted to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at the end of August.
He also accused Modi of lying about claims that the Congress government in Karnataka raised Rs 700 crore from liquor vendors to fund the Maharashtra Assembly elections. “The Prime Minister is lying. All the scams took place during the BJP government,” he said, challenging Modi to prove the accusation.
“If the Prime Minister proves his allegations, I will retire from politics. Will he resign if he fails to prove it? There should be some limit to lying,” Siddaramaiah said.

Regarding the Enforcement Directorate’s investigation into the MUDA site allotment case, in which Siddaramaiah and his family members are named, he dismissed the probe as baseless. “I won’t comment on the ED investigation, but it is looking into a false case,” he said.