Karnataka political leaders clash over recruitment scams and drought relief

Political tensions are rising in Karnataka as leaders clash over various state issues. H. D. Kumaraswamy has demanded the resignation of Home Minister Priyank Kharge following allegations of irregularities in the recruitment of Assistant Executive Engineers (AEE) within the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj department. Kumaraswamy questioned how such discrepancies could occur without the minister's knowledge, especially given ongoing High Court proceedings.

In a separate development, Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar announced plans to lead an all-party delegation to Delhi to seek central government assistance for drought relief and farmer debt waivers. Shivakumar also confirmed a three-day special assembly session to discuss the state's drought conditions and objections to the Kasturirangan report regarding the Western Ghats.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje criticized the state government's handling of Bengaluru's infrastructure, specifically questioning the massive cost escalations in tunnel road projects. She called for a scientific study of the city's traffic congestion and accused the administration of lacking proper preparation and transparency in tendering processes.