MANGALURU: UT Khader, minister for food and civil supplies, on Sunday condemned the lackadaisical attitude of the Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath and the Centre on the Gorakhpur tragedy, saying they make a hullabaloo when only it's about cows and it is unfortunate the precious lives of kids are of no concern to them.
At least 70 kids have died over the course of five days at the Baba Raghav Das Medical College hospital in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. Authorities have launched an inquiry into the causes of the oxygen disruption but denied reports that it had caused the deaths at the state-run hospital.
Addressing media persons on Sunday, Khader, who earlier served as minister health and family welfare, said the Gorakhpur incident is unfortunate and state as well Central health ministries should be held responsible. "BJP makes an issue when cows are killed but there is complete silence when large number of children die in a hospital due to negligence. UP CM and state health minister should immediately step down on moral grounds," he demanded. Pointing out that UPA government had made arrangements under the National Rural Health Mission (NHM) to address such issues, he said in spite of this being in place, the tragedy has taken place.
He also demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi to constitute a high level committee to probe entire episode.
When asked about Amith Shah, BJP president making announcement about 'Congress-Mukt Karnataka', Khader replied that even then Amith Shah's coming to Karnataka will not make any difference, "I'm confident that people will give mandate to Congress in coming election too because of welfare works." He added there will be no change of leadership in upcoming polls.
Talking about Indira Canteens, which are aimed to serve affordable food to citizens, Khader mentioned based on its popularity, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will decide opening similar ones in rest of Karnataka.
Kalladaka school issue: Govt has no connection
Khader clarified that government or chief minister Siddaramaiah has no any role in withdrawal of grants to Sri Rama high school in Kalladka and Sri Devi school at Punacha, given by the Kollur Mookambika Temple in Udupi District, through adoption scheme.
"The concerned department has taken the move to cancel the grants as per laws. CM and other Congress ministers are dragged unnecessarily to it. Don't politicize every issue."
He said that state government is offering 15kgs of rice to each student, who studies in residential school with free accommodation and asked, make use of similar scheme.
"Sharath case to be solved soon"
Commenting on R K Dutta, director general and inspector general of police (DG&IGP) reports on recent unrest in Bantwal Taluk as not "Communal" but of personal and political nature, Khader stressed that all those persons behind such activities must be put behind bars irrespective any party or organisation they belong to.