KPSC row: Priyank Kharge hits back at Kumaraswamy, questions his role in recruitment controversy

Bengaluru: Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge has launched a sharp attack on Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy over the ongoing controversy surrounding alleged irregularities in Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitments.

In a post on social media platform X, Kharge accused Kumaraswamy of holding a press conference and “fleeing” instead of providing a logical response to the allegations raised against him.

‘Why did you recommend appointments amid irregularity allegations?’

Kharge alleged that the High Court and Supreme Court had found widespread irregularities in the recruitment of gazetted probationers in 2011.

He questioned why former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and Kumaraswamy had allegedly issued recommendation letters supporting the appointment of candidates whose selection had come under scrutiny.

“What was Kumaraswamy’s interest behind recommending the selection that was accused of irregularities?” Kharge asked, also questioning why the matter was being discussed despite court proceedings.

‘Why did you meet jailed KPSC chairman?’

Kharge also questioned Kumaraswamy over his alleged meeting with a former KPSC chairman who was in Parappana Agrahara Central Prison in connection with an irregularities case.

“What was the point of going to jail to meet him? To plead with him or threaten him so that his name would not come out?” Kharge asked.

Taking a further swipe at Kumaraswamy, Kharge said, “If you search the horoscope of KPSC irregularities, your horoscopes and stars will be found everywhere.”

He also criticised those who, according to him, had earlier recommended appointments but were now questioning recruitment by the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) Department, despite court orders.