From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Dec 7: The State Government has already initiated action to establish a Genome Sequencing Lab in Karnataka, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters at his residence in Hubballi, he said the State Health Secretary has been instructed to look into the needs of procuring necessary equipment and consult experts for the purpose.
"All the districts have Covid testing labs. Genome Sequencing needs expert systems and modern equipment. The spread of new variant, omicron, has necessitated sending test samples in suspect cases for omicron to Genome Sequence testing in NCBS. Arrangements would be made to get the test reports quickly," Bommai said.
Replying to a question about former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's allegations that number of mandays under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme has been reduced, Bommai said Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister KS Eshwarappa has already replied to the charge.
Sharply reacting to Siddaramaiah's criticism that "Bommai is a liar,’’ the Chief Minister said: "I had immense respect for Siddaramaiah. I am disappointed at his recent statements."
The Chief Minister, who has been campaigning for BJP candidates in the Legislative Council elections, said the ruling party’s Belagavi candidate Mahantesh Kavatagimath will definitely emerge victorious.
Bommai claimed that BJP leader Ramesh Jarakiholi’s younger brother Lakhan Jarakiholi, who is contesting in Belagavi as an independent, is a Congress party rebel and his candidature will not affect BJP. The ruling party is fighting unitedly on behalf of Kavatagimath and there is no doubt about his victory, he said.