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The political landscape in Karnataka is currently marked by a heated exchange between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP, stemming from an ongoing investigation into the state's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic during the previous BJP administration. BJP MP K Sudhakar has publicly accused the Congress government of using the investigation as a tool to target his party, claiming that it is politically motivated and aimed at damaging the reputation of BJP leaders. Sudhakar contends that the Congress government's actions are based on a preliminary inquiry report and not a complete investigation, highlighting that the D'Cunha Commission, which was tasked with investigating COVID-19 management under the BJP regime, has only submitted an interim report. He criticized the formation of a cabinet sub-committee led by Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and the subsequent establishment of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) within a month, suggesting that the investigation is being expedited without due diligence.
Sudhakar has also defended the BJP's handling of the pandemic, emphasizing the risks taken by officials and health department employees during the crisis. He directly challenged the Congress's allegations that the BJP government procured PPE kits at inflated prices from China and Hong Kong instead of locally available kits. He questioned the availability of PPE kits at the time, asserting that the then Chief Minister Yediyurappa and Health Minister Sriramulu secured these vital supplies through negotiations with the central government and imports from China. Sudhakar dismissed the Congress's claims as politically motivated and intended to smear the reputations of BJP leaders. He expressed confidence that the truth will ultimately prevail, implying that the Congress's actions will backfire and ultimately harm their own reputation.
This ongoing political dispute highlights the deep divisions and political maneuvering within Karnataka. The Congress government's decision to investigate the BJP's handling of the pandemic, coupled with the BJP's accusations of political persecution, underscores the heightened political tensions in the state. The investigation's scope and the eventual findings are likely to have significant implications for the future of Karnataka politics, potentially shaping the narrative surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and influencing public perception of both parties.
Source: Congress using COVID-19 probe as weapon against BJP: MP Sudhakar