Congress using COVID-19 probe as weapon against BJP: MP Sudhakar

NT Correspondent

Chikkaballapura

BJP MP K Sudhakar on Friday accused the Congress government of using the investigation into COVID-19 management during the BJP regime as a "political tool" against his party. The Congress government, based on the recommendation of Justice John Michael D'Cunha, has initiated an investigation into alleged irregularities in COVID-19 management under the BJP's administration. “Let them investigate. They have turned investigations into weapons against us. We are ready for any probe. We worked with conscience and saved lives during COVID-19, while Congress leaders stayed indoors,” Sudhakar told reporters.

He defended the previous BJP government's handling of the pandemic, highlighting the risks taken by officials and health department employees during the crisis. Sudhakar criticised the Congress for altering the scope of the investigation, noting that the D'Cunha Commission had only submitted an interim report. “The investigation is incomplete. Based on a preliminary inquiry report, a cabinet sub-committee led by Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar was formed.

Within a month, they have also ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT),” he said. Responding to Congress allegations that the BJP government purchased PPE kits at Rs 2,100 each from China and Hong Kong instead of locally available kits priced at Rs 330, Sudhakar questioned the availability of PPE kits at the time. “Where were the PPE kits?,'' he asked.