Ballari: Former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa has refuted allegations of corruption during the Covid-19 pandemic, stating that all actions taken were within the bounds of the law. Speaking to reporters, Yediyurappa expressed confidence that the recently surfaced reports of a Covid scam would yield no adverse outcomes for him or his associates.

Yediyurappa claimed that these accusations are “politically motivated,” given the upcoming by-elections, and alleged that the present government is using this opportunity to cast him and former Minister B Sriramulu in a negative light. “They have recommended prosecution against us for political gain, but this will lead nowhere,” he asserted.

Yediyurappa also criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, stating that the CM only knows how to make baseless allegations. He further mentioned that Siddaramaiah’s persistent campaigning in Sandur constituency signals a fear of defeat. Confident of the BJP’s success in the by-elections, Yediyurappa emphasized that these accusations would not alter their prospects.

Will retire from politics if corruption proven, declares B Sriramulu

Ballari: Former Health Minister B Sriramulu declared his willingness to step down from politics if allegations of COVID-19 corruption against him are proven. Addressing a campaign gathering in Bannihatti village in Sandur, Sriramulu dismissed the charges as mere threats by the Congress government and stated that such intimidation would not deter him.

Sriramulu accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of attempting to implicate him and former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa in the alleged Covid scam to divert attention from his own scandals. He questioned the government’s delay in raising these issues, noting that Congress had been in power for a year and a half without making any mention of these claims.

Highlighting the measures taken during the pandemic, Sriramulu explained that a task force was formed to address the spread of the virus across the state, particularly from Kalaburagi. He accused the government of using the Covid-19 allegations to cover up the Valmiki reservation controversy, adding that this was yet another plot to mislead the public.