Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge hits back at Union Minister Kumaraswamy over KPSC ‘irregularities’

Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Saturday hit back at Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy over allegations that the Congress government had allowed a senior IAS officer, who was the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) Controller of Examinations, to “run away” amid alleged recruitment irregularities.

Mr. Kumaraswamy on Friday accused the State government of failing to act against IAS officer Gyanendra Gangwar, who was the KPSC Controller of Examinations when alleged irregularities occurred in the recruitment of Assistant Executive Engineers (Grade-I). He had also demanded Mr. Kharge’s resignation.

Responding to the allegations, Mr. Kharge took a sharp dig at the JD(S) leader. “The name Priyank Kharge had, until now, been providing employment to BJP leaders and giving them material to stay in the news. Now, even the JD(S) leaders are finding the name Priyank appealing.” he said.

Mr. Kharge also questioned the motive behind Mr. Kumaraswamy’s allegations, saying he may have been “tasked by Union Home Minister Amit Shah” to target him. He further recalled irregularities in KPSC recruitments during Mr. Kumaraswamy’s earlier tenure as Chief Minister in a coalition government, including the recruitment of KAS officers in 1998.

“Mr. Kumaraswamy, your attempts to smear me will not succeed. I will put the facts on record in response to all your allegations,” Mr. Kharge said.