The Congress authorities in Karnataka Monday withdrew an order appointing a medical physician as a trustee of the Yeshasvini Cooperative Members Well being Safety Belief after a celebration functionary alerted the management about his affiliation with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Dr Sridhar G S, head of Kumar Hospital in Tiptur of Tumakuru district, was appointed as one of many 13 trustees by the Cooperation Division on October 23. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who handles the Cooperation portfolio, is the belief’s chief patron, whereas the Cooperation Division Secretary serves because the chairperson. Dr Sridhar was appointed as one of many 5 specialist docs on the board.
Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee member C B Shashidhar wrote to CM Siddaramaiah Sunday, requesting withdrawal of the order to avoid wasting the occasion from embarrassment, at a time when the federal government will not be permitting RSS shakhas on the premises of presidency and government-aided faculties, and public grounds. He additionally alerted Deputy CM and Karnataka Congress president D Okay Shivakumar concerning the matter.
Within the letter, Shashidhar mentioned that Dr Sridhar participated in an RSS march carrying its uniform on October 12, coinciding with the organisation’s a centesimal anniversary. Shashidhar additionally alleged that Dr Sridhar’s appointment was made primarily based on the advice of Tiptur MLA Okay Shadakshari.
The state authorities, in a modified order, said that Dr Sridhar’s identify has been dropped as a result of “administrative causes”.
Shortly after pictures of Dr Sridhar collaborating in an RSS march went viral, the controversy embarrassed the Congress. Shadakshari, who had really helpful Dr Sridhar, expressed remorse.
“I used to be not conscious that Dr Sridhar was lively within the RSS. His supporters really helpful him to me to serve the general public, and I made my suggestion primarily based on that,” he mentioned.
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Dr Sridhar operates Kumar Hospital in Tiptur, a facility beforehand managed by his father. Whereas his father ran a 10-bedded hospital, Dr Sridhar has expanded it to a 100-bedded hospital over the previous 30 years.
In line with a supply within the Tiptur well being division, the hospital has carried out greater than 20,000 surgical procedures beneath the Yeshasvini scheme, prompting them to suggest Dr Sridhar’s identify for recognition.
A supply mentioned, “He by no means anticipated or aspired to be a part of the committee. He has many avenues to serve the folks, and his household has been related to the RSS for the final 30-40 years. It was the individuals who had prompt his identify primarily based on advantage, however now it has been turned down for political causes.”
Launched in 2003, the Yeshasvini well being scheme goals to supply inexpensive healthcare to members of cooperative societies, particularly in rural areas. It covers surgical and medical remedies with minimal out-of-pocket prices at a community of private and non-private hospitals.