Siddu owes public apology for Covid jabs remark: Goyal

UNION Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Saturday hit out at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for suggesting that Covid-19 vaccines may be linked to the increasing number of deaths due to heart attack, and termed his statement an insult to Indian scientists, startups and its pharmaceutical sector.

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Seeking a public apology from the CM, Goyal said Siddaramaiah's comments undermined those who had worked tirelessly during the pandemic period. Speaking at IIT Madras Sangam 2025, Goyal said it was unfortunate that such a statement had come from the CM of a state of a country known as the "pharmacy of the world".

"Our scientists and startups worked day and night, conducted experiments, and found two vaccines when developed nations were struggling. India didn't just protect its people, but also supplied vaccines to 150 countries, giving them free to over 100 countries," he said.

"Now, when the world is thanking India for saving lives, Siddaramaiah is insulting those efforts. Is he siding with countries that have an agenda against the Indian government? What is he trying to say? He owes a public apology," Goyal said.