Mon Nov 11 01:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Congress Accuses BJP of Corruption in PPE Kit Procurement During Pandemic
**Kalaburagi, November 11, 2024:** The Karnataka Congress has accused the BJP of rampant corruption in the procurement of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits during the COVID-19 pandemic, citing the John Michael D’Cunha commission report that recommended action against former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa and former Health Minister B. Sriramulu.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao alleged that the BJP government purchased PPE kits, medicines, and masks from Chinese companies at exorbitant rates, resulting in a loss of ₹14 crore for the state. He further stated that the commission’s findings confirm the Congress’ earlier allegations of corruption during the pandemic.
“The BJP was busy making money while people were dying,” Mr. Rao said, adding that the Congress party never indulged in hate or vendetta politics. He maintained that the commission’s recommendation to prosecute Mr. Yediyurappa and Mr. Sriramulu is based on concrete evidence.
Mr. Rao also criticized the BJP’s attempt to smear Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s reputation with false allegations, calling the BJP a corrupt party and alleging that they are misusing agencies like the Income Tax Department and the Enforcement Directorate to target him.
Addressing the BJP’s criticism of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s role in the MUDA scam, Mr. Rao dismissed their allegations as baseless. He also condemned the BJP’s use of mining baron G. Janardhana Reddy, who was jailed for illegal mining, to lead their bypoll campaign in Sandur.
Meanwhile, Davanagere MP Prabha Mallikarjun alleged that the Union government has been unfair to Karnataka in terms of tax devolution and promised that all parliamentarians from the state will raise the issue in the next session of Parliament.
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