Daijiworld Media Network - Tumakuru (SP)

Tumakuru, Jun 30: In a controversial measure, the wife of Congress MLA from Kunigal, Dr Suma Ranganath, accompanied by party activists, visited various government hospitals including the government hospital at Kunigal, and checked records. She also checked store room of medicines, maternity wards, beds of patients etc. She did this reportedly on behalf of her husband, Dr H D Ranganath, who is currently on a visit abroad.

The visit was undertaken without any prior information to the doctors. Many expressed the opinion that the MLA's wife had misused powers of her husband and that she had acted against democratic principles. Opposition parties said that it was an effort by her to take control of taluk administration.

Dr Suma Ranganath

Dr H D Ranganath

A number of people commented that the hospital authorities were not in order in allowing the MLA's wife to check records and facilities, particularly so as they refuse to divulge any information when common people seek them. JD(S) leaders recalled that the Congress leaders were alleging in the past that the children of the previous MLA were misusing power of their father, but now they themselves are indulging in such misuse of power.

Dr Suma later said that she has not misused powers of her husband. She said that during the election campaigning, a number of people and patients had brought to her notice about the poor condition of the hospitals and that she visited hospitals and discussed issues with doctors in a harmonious environment.

She said she will bring her findings to the notice of the MLA and request him to take appropriate measures to improve facilities. She said she has lent an ear to the problems of the patients and will bring to the notice of minister D K Shivakumar, Member of Parliament D K Suresh, and her husband about her findings.