Karnataka BJP MLA from Bijapur, Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, has stirred controversy by asserting that the former BJP-led government, under BS Yediyurappa, was embroiled in a Rs 40,000 crore scam during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Yatnal launched a scathing critique, alleging that the preceding BJP administration engaged in corrupt practices by overcharging for rented beds and imposing exorbitant fees for COVID patients. He specifically pointed out instances such as charging Rs 485 for a mask that costs Rs 45 and billing the government Rs 8–10 lakhs for one coronavirus patient, emphasizing that Yediyurappa's regime looted thousands of crores of rupees.
Responding to these accusations, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah characterized them as further evidence of the BJP government operating as a "40 percent commission government." Siddaramaiah, in a statement on X, noted that previous accusations against Yediyurappa's government amounted to corruption of around Rs 4,000 crore under the guise of COVID-19 treatment and management. However, he acknowledged that Yatnal's claims suggested corruption ten times greater than their estimates. Siddaramaiah criticized the silence of BJP leaders in the state regarding these serious allegations.
During the controversy, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge urged the public release or submission to the inquiry commission, headed by Justice Michael and formed by the Karnataka government, of documents supporting the allegations. He also implicated BJP leaders from the central government in the alleged Rs 40,000 crore corruption by Yediyurappa.
