Karnataka BJP chief expresses concern over alarming maternal, infant mortality rates in Belagavi

Taking to X before the visit, Vijayendra revealed shocking statistics, stating that 29 mothers had died in the district over the past six months, while 322 newborns had succumbed in the last year. He attributed the crisis to gross negligence and mismanagement by the Congress-led government.

“The Health Department, which was a model for the country during the previous BJP government, has been completely neglected under the Congress administration. Irregularities and corruption in the department have come to light following Lokayukta raids,” Vijayendra alleged.

Criticizing the government’s inaction despite public outrage and protests, he added, “The continuous loss of lives among mothers and newborns has caused immense pain. Even as citizens protest and demand action, the Congress government has displayed apathy by failing to take stringent measures. The common people and the poor must teach this government a lesson.”

Vijayendra was accompanied by Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, former Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Ashwath Narayan, former minister Shashikala Jolle, and Hemalatha Nayak. The team aimed to gather firsthand information about the hospital’s condition and the reported fatalities.

Addressing the media after the visit, Vijayendra reiterated his criticism of the Congress government and declared to take up the issue during the session.

“We have come here to uncover the truth. This visit is not about politics. Today, the poor are being wronged, and mothers and newborns are losing their lives. We will raise this issue in the Assembly,” he said.

He also criticized the inaction of the ministers concerned.

“The Ministers for Health, Medical Education, and the district in charge have not taken these deaths seriously. The government must take responsibility and address this failure immediately,” he stated.

Leader of the Opposition in Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy also expressed grave concern about the state of healthcare in Karnataka.

“We are witnessing hospitals turning into morgues. The Congress government’s focus on corruption has resulted in a lack of control over hospital administration,” he alleged.

Narayanaswamy further claimed that substandard medicines procured through corrupt practices were a significant factor behind these tragedies. “This is why we visited the hospital — to directly understand the situation from the medical staff,” he explained.