Bengaluru: Amid the corona pandemic, the state government has been engrossed in massive scams, alleged former chief minister Siddaramaiah.

Addressing a joint press conference with KPCC president DK Shivakumar, at the KPCC office here, on July 23, the former CM said that he had brought to light the medical equipment purchase scam on July 3, to which the government has not tendered an explanation.

“Nearly 17 days after I raised the issue, the DCM and Health minister held a press briefing and spoke about the same issue. They have refuted all my claims stating that they have made purchases worth Rs 324 cr only, as against the Rs 2,000 cr mentioned by me,” Siddaramaiah said adding that Health Minister B Sreeramulu had also said that he will resign from the post if the allegations are proven true.

Stating that CM BS Yediyurappa has lied to the people of the state, Siddaramaiah said that even the former said that all the details of the purchases will be made available.

“I have written 20 letters between June 9 and July 10. Barring one reply from the Health Secretary, none of the other letters has been answered. I believe that if the government is sincere, this letter would have been answered. This shows that the truth is being hidden from the people,” Siddaramaiah, who is also the Opposition Leader in the Legislative Assembly, said adding that any government is answerable and accountable to the people.

He further cited that Deputy Chief Minister Ashwathnarayan says that they have spent Rs 324 cr, while his research points that at least Rs 700 cr has been spent. “The BBMP has spent Rs 200 cr, labour department has spent Rs 1000 cr, medical department has spent 815 cr, social welfare department has spent Rs 500 cr, and Rs 160 cr has been spent by the women and welfare and the home department. A total of 4,267 cr has been spent for the Covid Care Centre and the equipment has been purchased at double the market price,” he claimed.