Former Health Minister Challenges Committee’s Formation

Amidst mounting scrutiny over alleged irregularities in COVID-19 pandemic management during the BJP rule, former Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar has vocally challenged the Karnataka government’s decision to form a committee to investigate the matter. Instead, he is demanding a Lokayukta inquiry, emphasizing the need for an unbiased and capable agency to conduct the investigation. The Karnataka government had recently constituted a committee led by former Karnataka High Court judge John Michael D’Cunha. The committee’s mandate is to investigate various aspects of pandemic management, including the procurement of equipment, medicines, testing kits, and ventilators by the Health and Family Welfare Department. The committee has been entrusted with delivering its findings within a three-month timeframe. Dr Sudhakar, a former minister and BJP leader, expressed his reservations about the committee’s formation and questioned the choice of the investigating agency. He stressed that the investigation should be conducted by a neutral and competent authority, suggesting that the best-suited option would be the Lokayukta. He argued that involving the Lokayukta or an inquiry overseen by the High Court’s chief justice would ensure a non-partisan investigation. While Dr Sudhakar welcomes the initiative for a probe, he raises concerns about potential bias, considering the political history of the appointed judge. He has accused the government of seeking a predetermined report to tarnish the BJP’s reputation before the Lok Sabha polls. Dr Sudhakar has vowed to challenge the government’s decision and contest the perceived technical flaws in the process. The demand for transparency and impartiality in the investigation gains significance as the Congress party alleges the involvement of several BJP leaders in the alleged irregularities during COVID-19 management. The unfolding scenario underscores the critical importance of an objective investigation that upholds accountability and addresses public concerns surrounding pandemic management.