Karnataka CM, RDPR Minister Engages in Verbal Duel Over The Doctors Fee Hike

BENGALURU: The cabinet meeting witnessed a small argument between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and RDPR Minister H K Patil over the stipend hike for resident doctors.

It started with Chief Secretary Kaushik Mukherjee suggesting to Siddaramaiah that the subject be deferred as it would burden the state exchequer.

Patil took strong exception and took the Chief Secretary to task by saying, “You never think about the state exchequer when giving crores of rupees to corporate houses in terms of tax sops and subsidies. But when it comes to giving hike to doctors who serve at rural places, you start objecting.”

Intervening in the argument, Siddaramaiah reportedly told Patil not to get angry as Mukherjee had just expressed his opinion.

Patil retorted by saying, “Hiking stipend was a commitment given to the resident doctors by the government and if we do not honour it, it will get us a bad name.”

“It is just not possible to fulfil all commitments and promises,” the CM replied.

However the argument ended with the intervention of senior cabinet colleagues. Later the proposal was passed.