Bengaluru, December 27, 2023 – In a major blow to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka, senior MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal leveled serious accusations of irregularities amounting to Rs 40,000 crore in Covid-related procurement during the BJP’s rule in the state. The outspoken MLA also claimed that the Congress government attempted to conceal the alleged scam.

Known for his staunch Hindutva stance, Yatnal, a vocal critic of BJP Parliamentary Board member BS Yediyurappa, alleged that the former chief minister had authorized the procurement of face masks at an exorbitant cost, purchasing masks worth Rs 45 for Rs 485 during his tenure.

Yatnal raised concerns about the government’s decision to rent ten thousand beds in Bengaluru, suggesting that opting for new beds could have doubled the available capacity. He asserted, “If they had procured new beds instead, they would have got twice the number of beds.”

All pertinent documents related to the alleged irregularities, according to Yatnal, are in possession of the Public Accounts Committee. He revealed that he was approached to lead the committee during the Siddaramaiah government but claimed, “I told them that I would expose everything, and they did not appoint me.” Instead, the committee was headed by former minister C C Patil, as per Yatnal’s statement to the press.

These allegations form part of Yatnal’s ongoing criticism of Yediyurappa, who recently regained control of the state BJP unit, securing the appointment of his son, MLA BY Vijayendra, as its president. The dominance of Yediyurappa’s camp in the new party unit and the appointment of opposition leader R Ashok from the same faction have fueled tensions within the BJP.

The issue of corruption during the Covid pandemic was a central theme for the Congress ahead of the May polls. In response, a commission of inquiry, headed by Justice Michael D’Cunha, was established in August to investigate the alleged irregularities. The unfolding developments are likely to intensify political tensions in the state.

In a daring attempt to escape the holiday traffic nightmare in Himachal Pradesh, a tourist driving a Mahindra Thar boldly navigated the Chandra River in Lahaul and Spiti district. The video of this unconventional river crossing, aimed at beating the congested roads during the festive season, quickly went viral on social media.

As Christmas and New Year celebrations attract a surge of tourists to the picturesque hill station, the state grapples with severe traffic congestion. In response to the unconventional river stunt, Himachal Pradesh Police took swift action, issuing a challan to the SUV owner under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

“The district police have deployed personnel to ensure such offenses don’t recur,” stated Mayank Chaudhry, superintendent of police.

Notably, the water level of the Chandra River allowed the SUV to cross without significant difficulty, but the locals expressed discontent as the video circulated. In addition to the river escapade, drone surveillance was deployed in Lahaul and Spiti district to monitor the traffic situation. The footage revealed extensive lines of vehicles, rendering parking facilities scarce.

The chaotic scenes extended beyond traffic jams, with instances of risky car stunts causing a nuisance. A viral video captured a man driving with doors open, precariously hanging from one. The Kullu police took action, fining the individual ₹3,500 for endangering public safety amidst the holiday rush.

As the state authorities grapple with the surge in tourists, they are implementing measures to maintain order and safety on the roads during the festive season. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing situation.