By Ahmed Mohiuddin Siddiqui,
The newborn state of Telangana is grappling with teething problems, the age old problem of corruption and the new age problem of Swine Flu. However, there is a silver lining in the form of no nonsense approach of Chief Minister Kalvakuntla Chandrasekhar Rao, who has a zero tolerance for corruption. In an unprecedented move, the chief minister, popularly called KCR, sought resignation from the deputy chief minister Dr. T. Rajaiah amidst allegations of wrong doings in the purchase of ambulances for medical colleges, purchase of medical equipment and appointment of para medical staff. The resignation which was forwarded to the Governor E. S. L Narasimhan has been accepted.
The Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao was also peeved at the mishandling of the Swine Flu in Telangana by the outgoing deputy chief minister Dr T. Rajaiah and his failure to have an awareness campaign to contain the epidemic. Telangana is reeling under Swine Flu for the past two months. There is shortage of trained staff too. The medical and health portfolio has now been assigned to Dr C. Laxma Reddy. Lok Sabha member from Warangal district Kadiam Srihari took Dr T. Rajaiah’s place as the new deputy chief minister. He will resign as MP shortly and contest the upcoming polls to the Telangana Legislative Council. Dr. Rajaiah did not attend the swearing in ceremony of the new deputy chief minister at the Raj Bhavan.
The Swine Flu related death toll climbed to 25 yesterday as 52 new cases of Swine Flu were reported. The number of Swine Flu patients reached 388 in January so far. Statistical data of the dead is being compiled by the health authorities. Five junior doctors from Osmania General Hospital, Hyderabad, l have also reported positive. There is strong need to isolate the patients and restrict the number of visitors who come to enquire about their health condition. Long spell of cold worsened the situation as the virus breeds in cold atmosphere. With the temperatures rising soon, the virus is expected to be controlled. The performance of the new Minister for Health Dr C. Laxman Reddy will be keenly watched in bringing the epidemic under control and spreading the awareness campaign.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister Chandrasekhar Rao has a double task at hand in controlling Swine Flu and wiping out a more dangerous virus of corruption which is present all year through. After the swearing in ceremony of K Srihari, Chief Minister Chandrasekhar Rao held a meeting of the cabinet and M. Ps from the Telangana State and reportedly expressed his displeasure against those indulging in corruption. He warned of dire consequences and expressed his resolve to root out corruption. Some time ago, he had opened a hotline against corrupt officials to be reported. KCR is a tough task master. He will take corruption and Swine Flu head on to eradicate the menaces that are pillaging the Telangana State.
KCR should watch out against Behti Ganga mein Haath Dho Lein sort of corrupt people among politicians and bureaucrats.
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Ahmed Mohiuddin Siddiqui
The writer can be contacted at [email protected]
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