Kumaraswamy hospitalised after testing Covid positive, son also infected

Bengaluru Former Karnataka chief minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Kumaraswamy and his son Nikhil Kumaraswamy tested positive for Covid-19 on Saturday. The former chief minister has been admitted to Apollo Hospital in Bannerghatta Road, according to a statement from his office.

“I have tested positive for Covid. I request everyone who came in close contact with me over the last few days to isolate themselves and get tested,” the 61-year-old leader posted on Twitter on Saturday.

He tested positive after having spent days campaigning in the Basavakalayan assembly constituency for a bypoll. Kumaraswamy experienced fatigue on Friday evening while he was campaigning, following which he returned to Bengaluru. “This morning, he contacted doctors and got tested, the reports to which came positive. He wanted to rest at his farmhouse, but doctors did not agree. They asked him to get admitted immediately,” read a statement from his office.

According to a statement, Kumaraswamy did not find a bed for treatment at Manipal Hospital. Even Karnataka health minister Dr K Sudhakar’s intervention did not help, the statement claimed. It further added that Kumaraswamy is scheduled to appear before a court in connection with a case on Saturday. “Since he has tested positive, he will appear via video conference,” the statement read.

His mother Chennamma Devegowda had earlier tested positive, and his father and HD Devegowda too was in isolation as a precaution.

Kumaraswamy’s wife and Ramanagara MLA Anita Kumaraswamy is under home quarantine on the advice of doctors.