Siddaramaiah Challenges PM Modi on Corruption Claim

Bengaluru: In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s allegations of corruption of about Rs 700 crore by the ruling Congress government in Karnataka through the excise department, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah threw a challenge at the Prime Minister to prove his allegations. If proved of any corruption even for Re 1, Siddaramaiah said to retire from politics.

If not proved, the Chief Minister questioned the Prime Minister “Will he retire or quit from the Prime Minister’s post.” Speaking to media persons in Mysuru, Siddaramaiah said “It is Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) (to which Narendra Modi belongs) indulged in alleged irregularities in the purchase of medicines during Covid-10 pandemic in Karnataka.

Adding, he said, Justice John Michael Cunha Commission report on alleged Covid-19 irregularities (2020-21) threw light on purchase of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) kits at Rs 2140 per kit while a PPE kit was available for Rs 330. The Chief Minister wanted to know from Prime Minister Narendra Modi “What will be his reply (to the alleged irregularities)?”

“It is the BJP which indulged in corruption,” said the Chief Minister and stated Congress leaders never indulged in corruption.

“There is a limit for the Prime Minister to tell lies,” said the Chief Minister and alleged he and his government has been targeted by BJP and its alliance partner Janata Dal Secular (JDS).

Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Karnataka unit urged the State Government to immediately arrest former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, former ministers-Dr Sudhakar, Dr Ashwathnarayan and B. Sreeramulu over their involvement in irregularities during Covid-19 period.

Referring to the Justice Cunha report, AAP State Vice-President Nanjappa Kalegowda, at a press conference in Bengaluru, said the report stated irregularities of about Rs 187.8 crore and the State Government should initiate steps to recover the misappropriated money from the accused persons.