BJP Tears Into Karnataka Minister Over 'Swimming' Video Amid Uptick In Dengue, Malaria Cases

Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao received flak over a video of him swimming in a ‘clean’ pool amid rising cases of Dengue and Malaria in the state. The BJP slammed the ruling Congress party in the state for “flaunting his swimming skills when diseases like dengue and malaria are rising in cities”.

“Tragedy hits Karnataka as 7, including children, succumb to Dengue and Zika Virus outbreaks. Meanwhile, the Karnataka Health Minister is flaunting his swimming skills,” BJP Karnataka wrote in an X post.

Rao, however, hit back, saying swimming and exercise are part of his routine fitness, and suggested the BJP leaders also consider them.

“It not only keeps you healthy but also keeps your mind sharp, which might help you to focus more rather than resorting to peddling lies and creating diversionary tactics,” the Karnataka minister responded.

Rao said he was concerned about the hike in dengue in the state and added that the first thing he did upon arriving in Mangalore was to review the dengue situation. The video was from the Mangalore International Swimming Pool.

“A campaign to destroy breeding sites of Aedes mosquitoes has been launched. We went from house to house and checked places of water accumulation and created awareness among the people,” he said.

In response, BJP Karnataka stressed the need for leadership and effective epidemic management amid a public health crisis.

“Exercise is important, but in a public health crisis, leadership and effective epidemic management are crucial, this is something your party doesn’t understand, as you are all busy in looting funds meant for Valmiki and Dalit communities to finance your upcoming Maharashtra elections,” BJP Karnataka said.

“Hospitals in Karnataka today can’t even provide drinking water to patients. As a minister, your inefficiency is glaring. It would be more appropriate for you to resign and focus on your “Mind Sharpening exercises” rather than jeopardizing the lives of our people. To refresh your ‘sharp mind,’ WHO praised our COVID response as ‘impressive.’ We treated our citizens for free and supplied vaccines globally, unlike you, who are extorting money even for dengue check-ups. If you have an ounce of shame left, declare dengue treatment free and provide proper care to those affected,” the party further said.