Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (MS)
Bengaluru, Jul 23: A press conference was held in the city by the Congress party, under the leadership of leader of opposition Siddaramaiah and KPCC president D K Shivakumar.
Speaking on the occasion Siddaramaiah said, "I had told earlier that corruption has taken place in the purchase of equipment for Covid control in the state. But the BJP government has not responded to our accusation. However, after many days of our accusation, their minister held a press conference and said that Congress party is falsely accusing the government. Minister Sriramulu went to the extent of saying that he will resign if the allegation is proved."
"Later, chief minister B S Yediyurappa said that he will provide documents within 24 hours, if we demand the same. I have written 20 letters to the CM and concerned officials. They have given answers only in bits to my accusation. Why the CM and the government has not given suitable answer?" questioned Siddaramaiah.
He further said, "If you were honest, you should have given the answer and clarified the matter to the public. In addition, if we collect the documents related to the purchase of equipment you people say that it is false. You also accuse Congress is playing politics when the state and country is facing coronavirus pandemic.
"Our support is there to safeguard the lives of people. But the BJP government is trying to loot public money in the name of Covid. Should we cooperate with this?" questioned Siddaramaiah.
He continued his barrage and said, "DCM Ashwathnarayan and minister Sriramulu say that Rs 324 crore is spent on the purchase of equipment for Covid control. Another minister says that the government has spent Rs 33 crore. However, health department says that they have spent Rs 700 crore. BBMP has spent Rs 200 crore. District administration has spent Rs 700 crore and labour department is showing expense of Rs 1,100 crore. The committee for minorities and backward classes has spent Rs 1,000 crore. Women and children welfare department has spent Rs 500 crore. Rs 160 crore is spent for beds in Covid care centres. In total, we have account for expenses of Rs 4,167 crore.
"The concerned departments have purchased equipment at two to three times more than the market rate. Rs 2,000 crore is gobbled up by ministers and officials and this is a huge scam in procurement of equipment related to Covid. Now tell me who is lying? Is it me, Sriramulu or Ashwathnarayan? I am not running the state government. All files are with the BJP government. Why have you spent so much money from public exchequer? You are just asking us to cooperate. Is this the way an elected government functions?" fumed Siddaramaiah on the ruling BJP government.