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**Summary:**

A controversy has erupted in Karnataka, India, after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah linked a recent increase in heart attack deaths in the Hassan district to COVID-19 vaccinations, suggesting they were “hastily” approved. Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw refuted the CM’s claims, emphasizing the rigorous safety protocols followed in vaccine development. Siddaramaiah defended his comments, citing scientific studies that point to potential cardiac risks associated with the vaccines and asserting his duty to address public concerns. Mazumdar-Shaw clarified that her concerns revolved around the speed of the vaccine’s approval, not its potential to cause side effects. The Union Health Ministry has refuted the CM’s claim, stating that studies have found no link between the COVID-19 vaccines and sudden deaths. The state government has formed an expert committee to investigate the deaths in Hassan district.

**News Article:**

**Karnataka CM and Biocon Founder Clash Over COVID-19 Vaccine Link to Heart Attacks**

**Bengaluru, July 4, 2025** – Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is facing criticism after suggesting a possible link between COVID-19 vaccinations and a recent surge in heart attack deaths in the Hassan district. The Chief Minister stated the vaccines were approved too hastily.

Biocon Executive Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw publicly refuted the CM’s claims on Thursday, calling them “factually incorrect” and “misleading.” She highlighted the rigorous protocols followed in the Emergency Use Authorization process for COVID-19 vaccines developed in India.

In response, Siddaramaiah defended his statements, emphasizing his responsibility to address public concerns following the unexpected deaths of several individuals. He cited multiple peer-reviewed studies suggesting potential cardiac risks, particularly among young adults post-vaccination. He also stated: “When I said ‘hastily’, it reflects the unprecedented speed of emergency rollouts globally without complete long-term data, acknowledged even by WHO and global regulatory agencies, who termed it a ‘calculated risk’ during a pandemic.”

While concurring on the importance of scientific inquiry, Ms. Mazumdar-Shaw clarified that her concern focused on the speed of the vaccine approval process, not its potential side effects.

The Union Health Ministry previously dismissed the Chief Minister’s initial statement, citing extensive studies by the ICMR and AIIMS that found no connection between COVID-19 vaccines and sudden deaths.

The Karnataka government has formed an expert committee, led by Dr. Ravindranath of the Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, to investigate the deaths in Hassan district and submit a report within ten days. This follows a similar directive issued in February to study sudden deaths among young people across the state and potential links to COVID-19 vaccines. The issue remains a contentious one, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding the long-term effects of COVID-19 vaccines.

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