Siddaramaiah Links COVID Vaccine to Cardiac Deaths, Sparks National Backlash

In a recent controversy over whether the COVID-19 vaccine can lead to heart attacks, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah claimed there has been a rise in sudden cardiac deaths in Hassan district due to the vaccine. Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw pushed back, calling the remarks factually incorrect and urging him not to spread misinformation.

CM Flags Rise in Cardiac Deaths in Hassan

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah posted on X (formerly Twitter) on July 1 that he had witnessed over 20 sudden heart attack deaths in Hassan district just in the past month. He said the government is treating the matter seriously and has formed a committee of experts to investigate the exact cause and suggest solutions. The panel has been directed to submit its report within 10 days.

He also referred to a similar expert committee set up in February to examine whether COVID-19 vaccines could have any adverse effects, particularly in relation to sudden cardiac deaths among young people. The process of analyzing health records and cardiac cases is still underway.

Siddaramaiah went on to describe the approval and rollout of COVID-19 vaccines as “hasty,” suggesting that it could be a contributing factor to the spike in heart-related fatalities. Citing global studies that had hinted at a possible link between COVID-19 vaccines and cardiac complications, he said the government remains committed to uncovering the truth.

He added that schemes like Hridaya Jyothi and Gruha Arogya are being implemented to strengthen public health monitoring. He also urged citizens to seek immediate medical attention if they experience chest pain or breathing difficulty.

In his post, Siddaramaiah also criticized BJP leaders for allegedly politicizing the issue—a remark that drew sharp attention from the opposition.

Biocon Chief Calls Remarks Misleading

The Chief Minister’s post quickly drew public attention and sparked widespread debate. Among the responses, Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw pushed back against his claims, stating that COVID vaccines developed in India were approved under the national emergency authorization framework, following rigorous protocols aligned with global safety standards.

Calling the remarks “factually incorrect,” she said such statements could spread public misinformation. She also emphasized that the vaccines had saved millions of lives, and while side effects may occur, they are extremely rare. In her words, instead of indulging in retrospective blame, it is important to “acknowledge the science and the data-driven process” behind vaccine development.

Health Ministry Cites No Evidence of Link

Following this, the Union Health Ministry released a clarification on July 2, citing extensive studies conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), AIIMS, and the National Centre for Disease Control. The ministry said these studies found no link between COVID-19 vaccines and sudden deaths. They reaffirmed that the vaccines used in India are safe and effective, with only a minimal risk of side effects. The statement also noted that sudden cardiac deaths could be attributed to a range of other factors such as lifestyle habits, genetic conditions, existing health issues, and even post-COVID complications.

No Scientific Link, But Public Concern Remains

Since the pandemic, there have been rising concerns around sudden cardiac deaths, particularly among younger people, with many speculating a possible link to COVID-19 vaccines. While this has created anxiety and prompted several expert reviews, the Union Health Ministry’s latest statement reaffirms that there is no scientific evidence connecting the two. For now, it serves as an official reassurance to the public, though investigations like the one in Karnataka are still underway.

(Rh/Pooja Bansal/MSM/SE)