Priyank Kharge challenged by Kumaraswamy over recruitment scam allegations

Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy and Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge are engaged in a political dispute regarding alleged irregularities in the recruitment of Assistant Executive Engineers (AEE) Grade-1.

Kumaraswamy has accused Kharge of complicity in a recruitment scam that occurred while Kharge served as the Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj. The allegations include the manipulation of OMR sheets, providing question papers in advance, and candidates being held at resorts. Kumaraswamy has questioned why the state government allowed the matter to remain unresolved for eighteen months and has called for Kharge’s resignation.

In response, Kharge has challenged Kumaraswamy to provide documentary evidence of his involvement. Kharge stated he is willing to quit politics entirely if any link to the irregularities is proven. He noted that the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) is responsible for the examination process and the custody of OMR sheets, and emphasized that two FIRs have already been registered to ensure a transparent investigation.