Central govt must take precautionary measures against Covid-19, demands Siddaramaiah

IANS May 23, 2025 227 views

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has raised concerns about potential Covid-19 spread, calling on the central government to implement stricter testing measures for international travelers. During a media interaction, he also addressed several political controversies, including the renaming of Ramanagara district and criticisms of recent enforcement agency raids. Siddaramaiah defended his government's actions, stating that district renaming was done after consulting local people and that criminal cases have decreased during his tenure. He also dismissed allegations against his party colleagues, maintaining transparency in governance.

"There is a possibility of rising Covid-19 cases here as well." - Siddaramaiah
Mysuru, May 23: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday appealed to the Central government to take precautionary measures against the rise of Covid-19 cases in the country.

Key Points

1

Central govt urged to test international travelers for Covid-19

2

CM defends Ramanagara district renaming decision

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Criticizes politically motivated ED raids

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Claims decline in criminal cases

Speaking to media persons here, Siddaramaiah, citing the rise in Covid-19 cases in countries like Singapore and Hong Kong, said that the Central government has not taken steps to test travellers arriving from abroad.

"There is a possibility of rising Covid-19 cases here as well. The central government must make swift decisions and take precautionary measures in light of the increasing cases," he said.

On the controversy surrounding the renaming of Ramanagara district as Bengaluru South, CM Siddaramaiah said that the state government has the authority to rename Ramanagara.

Responding to Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy’s criticism that renaming the district would distort its historical significance, Siddaramaiah countered by saying that the decision was taken after considering the opinion of the local people.

"Did Union Minister Kumaraswamy consider the district’s history when he created Ramanagara district?” he shot back.

Responding to a reporter’s question regarding the Supreme Court’s observation that the Enforcement Directorate is overstepping its limits, the Chief Minister said: "We have no objection to the ED or IT Departments conducting investigations or uncovering black money. However, such raids should not be politically motivated. The recent ED raid on Home Minister G. Parameshwara’s educational institution appears to be politically driven."

"We will know which case the Supreme Court's observation pertains to only after examining the judgment," he added.

Asked about the rise in rape cases in the state, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the government is taking strict action against crime. “In fact, compared to the BJP’s tenure, the number of criminal cases has declined during our administration over the past year. The government is certainly making efforts to significantly reduce crimes,” he said.

Referring to the charge sheet filed against Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and his brother and former MP D.K. Suresh regarding a donation to the Young India organisation, Siddaramaiah said: "There is nothing wrong in donating to any organisation."

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
CM Siddaramaiah is absolutely right about Covid precautions! We saw how bad the second wave was - can't afford another surge. Testing international travelers should be mandatory. Better safe than sorry 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
Why mix Covid concerns with political remarks about ED raids? Both are important issues but should be addressed separately. As a Bengaluru resident, I just want proper healthcare measures first!
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Sanjay T.
Renaming districts seems unnecessary when there are real issues to address. Covid precautions, yes! But Ramanagara has its own identity - why merge it with Bengaluru? This feels like political gimmick.
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Ananya R.
The CM's concern about Covid is valid, but his government should also focus on improving Karnataka's healthcare infrastructure. My cousin waited 3 days for a hospital bed last wave 😔 Prevention AND preparedness both needed!
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Vikram J.
Instead of blaming Center, state govt should take own measures too! Kerala started airport screening already. In Karnataka we always wait till problem becomes crisis. Take initiative CM sir!
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Neha P.
Whether ED raids are political or not, corruption must be investigated. But yes, Covid should be priority #1 right now. Mask stocks, testing kits, hospital beds - these preparations should start TODAY.

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Siddaramaiah Karnataka Covid-19 District Renaming Political Controversy ED Raids