Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa directs ministers to take measures to contain Covid-19 in districts

The direction comes a day after opposition leaders, at an all party meeting, criticised the government over its handling of Covid crisis

Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa has directed all his Cabinet colleagues to turn their focus on the Covid-19 situation in districts where they are in charge.

Yediyurappa’s directive came in the form of a letter to each minister, a day after they received a dressing down from the Opposition during the all-party meeting chaired by the governor for being ‘inactive’ during the pandemic situation.

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“You already know that the government is taking all necessary steps to tackle the second Covid-19 wave that is spreading all over the country. As part of containing the spread of the virus, it is necessary to take quick steps in every district,” Yediyurappa said in his letter, asking them to get to work.

The CM has directed all district in-charge ministers to remain in touch with deputy commissioners and create awareness among citizens on precautionary measures to control the virus’ spread. He also asked the ministers to ensure Covid-19 patients get necessary medical attention. By doing all this, the ministers should see to it that the situation in their districts does not deteriorate, the CM said.

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Earlier in the day, Karnataka Congress president D K Shivakumar continued his attack on the state government over its handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. “People are sick of ministers. That’s why they’re making the chief secretary speak. The government has completely failed,” he said. “Show me, which minister has gone where? There are some 30 ministers. Have they gone to districts, to hospitals, to patients? Have they seen the suffering?”