Protests Erupt in K’taka BJP Over Maternal Deaths Linked to Blacklisted Firms

Bengaluru, Dec 7 (NationPress) The BJP accused the Karnataka government on Saturday of engaging in corrupt practices by awarding tenders to blacklisted companies in exchange for kickbacks, which has resulted in tragic maternal fatalities across the state.

To express their discontent, the BJP initiated a protest in Ballari, denouncing the state government's negligence.

Notable figures such as former minister B. Sriramulu, BJP MLC Satish, and former MLA Somashekar Reddy joined other BJP officials in demonstrating in Ballari city regarding this critical issue.

The protestors are demanding accountability for those responsible and the dismissal of Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao.

During a press briefing at the BJP State Office in Bengaluru, BJP State General Secretary P. Rajeev claimed that the government’s actions of granting tenders to blacklisted firms have directly contributed to a significant rise in maternal fatalities following childbirth.

He noted that for the past eight months, reports of maternal deaths have been alarmingly consistent throughout Karnataka.

Rajeev accused the state government of holding events over the deceased mothers, stating it was inappropriate.

In response to a call from state President B.Y. Vijayendra, a large-scale protest was organized in Ballari.

Criticizing the Health Minister’s visit to Ballari hospitals as mere show, he demanded the minister's prompt resignation, arguing that he lack the moral standing to remain in office.

Rajeev warned that the demonstration in Ballari would not be a fleeting event but would persist until justice is delivered to the families of the victims.

He declared that if the government remains indifferent, the BJP will resort to hunger strikes and other extensive protests.

Rajeev urged the Chief Minister to immediately relieve Gundu Rao from his position and demanded compensation of Rs 25 lakh for each affected family, attributing the deaths to governmental negligence.

“The government has announced compensation as if it’s charity for beggars. They only offered Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased,” he remarked.

“Who benefitted from kickbacks from these banned pharmaceutical firms, and what was the sum involved?” Rajeev questioned.

He emphasized that merely suspending the drug controller wouldn’t bring justice and called for a judicial investigation into the matter.

He announced that the BJP’s legal team would file a complaint naming the government, ministers, and drug controllers as accountable for the fatalities.

State President Vijayendra is expected to visit Ballari soon. He affirmed that the BJP will intensify its efforts both within and outside the Assembly until justice is achieved.

Rajeev also lambasted the government's inability to tackle the Bitcoin scam, stating they lack the capability to identify and prosecute the offenders.

BJP State Spokesperson Ashwathnarayan and State Media Director Karunakar Kasale were present during the press conference.

When asked about maternal fatalities, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah mentioned in Naripura village in Chamarajanagar district that, “There have been five maternal deaths in Ballari. I convened a meeting after four deaths were reported, and when another case surfaced, I brought it up in the Cabinet. The concerned minister is visiting the hospital today, and health department officials are also making rounds there.”

“The primary concern is understanding why these occurrences are happening. The investigation revealed a fault in the medication. The drug controller has been suspended, and the supplying company was blacklisted. The government has established a committee under the Development Commissioner,” CM Siddaramaiah stated.

“We have requested a report, and once it is completed, action will be taken against those responsible. Preliminary actions have already been initiated, and further actions will follow,” CM Siddaramaiah assured.

The tragic issue of maternal fatalities in government hospitals in Ballari district gained traction following the death of Sumaya, who was the most recent victim, admitted to VIMS in Ballari on November 10.

After undergoing a cesarean section on November 12, she was given IV fluids, leading to kidney complications that ultimately resulted in multiple organ failure. Despite undergoing dialysis, she passed away on December 5. Prior to Sumaya, several other women, including Rojamma, Nandini, Muskaan, Mahalaxmi, and Lalitamma, lost their lives due to post-delivery complications in Ballari district. These occurrences have sparked widespread concern and outrage throughout the state.