Siddaramaiah demands white paper on COVID-19 cases, deaths in Karnataka; Govt says nothing to hide
Bengaluru, Mar 27: The Karnataka government neither intends to hide any figures on COVID-19 nor is it necessary, Health Minister K Sudhakar said on Saturday, as Congress leader Siddaramaiah demanded a white paper on infections and deaths, citing differences in number of fatalities due to pandemic till December 2020.
He also hit back at the Leader of Opposition, stating that people in responsible positions should refrain from making false allegations for political gains.
"According to the Department of Health and Family Welfare Services, the number of Covid-19 deaths till December 2020 is 12,090.
According to the Planning and Statistical department, it is 22,320.
Which of the above data is true?" Siddaramaiah asked Chief Minister Yediyurappa and Sudhakar.
Targeting the government in a series of tweets, he said that the BJP government's inefficiency, corruption and lies are the reasons for the rise in Covid-19 cases in Karnataka, and the people of the state are facing the crisis due to mistakes of the shameless administration.
Alleging that the BJP leaders have not just lied about the Covid-19 related deaths but also regarding medicines, masks, sanitizers, PE kits and other procurements, Siddaramaiah said Sudhakar has been 'consistently lying' to hide the corruption and inefficiency.
The government should immediately release white paper about the Covid-19 infection, deaths, treatment details and compensation paid, he said, adding that the pandemic can be won through treatment and not through lies.
Reacting to Siddaramaiah's charges, Sudhakar said the government neither intends to hide any figures nor is it necessary.
Observing that people in responsible positions should refrain from making false allegations for political gains, he said, "this is an insult to our corona warriors who are working tirelessly since 1 year."
Pointing to the figures mentioned by Siddaramaiah in his tweet, the Minister said they are provisional entries in e- janma software which are subject to reconciliation as per the guidelines issued by the Registrar General of India.
"The verification process is near completion and the final figures are yet to be released," he tweeted.
Responding to Siddaramaiah's tweet, Chief Registrar of Births and Deaths Karnataka said, "These figures of COVID deaths are provisional entries in eJanMa software which are subject to reconciliation as per the guidelines issued by Registrar General of India.
The verification process is near completion and the final figures will be released with the approval of RGI."
According to @DHFWKA, number of #Covid19 deaths till Dec 2020 is 12,090.
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) March 27, 2021
According to Planning & Statistical dept, it is 22,320 till Dec 2020.@CMofKarnataka, @mla_sudhakar,
Which of the above data is true?
1/4#coronavirus pic.twitter.com/NJ8L3My0lp
.@BJP4Karnataka's inefficiency, corruption & lies are the reasons for the rise in #Covid19 cases in Karnataka.
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) March 27, 2021
People of Karnataka are facing the crisis due to mistakes of the shameless @BJP4Karnataka government.
2/4#coronavirus pic.twitter.com/fzcnFSQf3Q
.@BJP4Karnataka leaders have not just lied about the #Covid19 related deaths, they have also lied about medicines, masks, sanitizers, PE kits and other procurements.@mla_sudhakar has been consistently lying to hide the corruption & inefficiency.
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) March 27, 2021
3/4 pic.twitter.com/Vo6h32NWRv
.@BJP4Karnataka govt should immediately release white paper about the #Covid19 infection, deaths, treatment details & compensation paid.
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) March 27, 2021
Covid19 can be won through treatment and not through lies.
4/4#coronavirus pic.twitter.com/oLqxzL8Vrt
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
