Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi has accused the Karnataka government of being involved in alleged irregularities in KPSC recruitment, while HD Kumaraswamy has demanded the resignation of Home Minister Priyank Kharge.
Hubballi, Karnataka — Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi on Friday alleged that the entire Karnataka government machinery was involved in the alleged Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment scam. Joshi targeted the Congress-led state government over alleged irregularities in the recruitment of government employees and questioned its handling of an IAS officer who is reportedly untraceable following an Enforcement Directorate investigation.
Key Highlights
- Pralhad Joshi alleged that the Karnataka government machinery was involved in the alleged KPSC recruitment irregularities.
- His remarks came amid the reported disappearance of IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar after an ED search of his Bengaluru residence.
- The ED probe concerns alleged irregularities in the recruitment of veterinary officers through the KPSC.
- Former KPSC Chairman Shivashankarappa Sahukar was also among those whose premises were searched during the investigation.
- HD Kumaraswamy demanded the resignation of Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge over the issue.
Pralhad Joshi Targets Karnataka Government Over KPSC Case
Speaking to reporters in Hubballi, Pralhad Joshi alleged that responsibility for the reported irregularities in government recruitment rests with the state government. He questioned how an IAS officer could remain untraceable in the circumstances surrounding the investigation.
“Who is responsible for the fraud in government jobs? The government is responsible for it.”
Joshi further alleged that the government was a partner in the alleged irregularities and said the inability to locate the IAS officer raised questions about the involvement of the wider government machinery.
“This means that the entire government machinery is involved in this.”
He also attacked the Congress government, alleging that the case could expose a wider scandal if the officer was taken into the custody of the Enforcement Directorate or Criminal Investigation Department.
Why the IAS Officer’s Disappearance Is Under Focus
Joshi’s comments came amid the alleged disappearance of IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar after the Enforcement Directorate searched his Bengaluru residence. The search was conducted as part of an investigation into alleged irregularities in the recruitment of veterinary officers through the KPSC.
The agency had earlier searched the premises of former KPSC Chairman Shivashankarappa Sahukar and several veterinary officers in connection with the probe.
Former KPSC Chairman Shivashankarappa Sahukar Case
Shivashankarappa Sahukar had previously been suspended on the orders of Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot over allegations that he used a fake income certificate to secure a government job for his daughter.
The suspension was later stayed by the Karnataka High Court, which ordered his reinstatement.
The development involving the former KPSC chairman has become part of the wider controversy surrounding the alleged recruitment irregularities now being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate.
HD Kumaraswamy Demands Home Minister’s Resignation
Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy also criticised the Karnataka government over the KPSC episode and demanded the resignation of Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge.
Kumaraswamy referred to allegations made by a youngster concerning the recruitment of veterinary doctors. According to him, the allegation involved a demand for ₹80 lakh for securing an appointment and succeeding in the KPSC process.
“I am observing what has been happening in Karnataka for the last several days because of the Karnataka Public Service Commission episode.”
Kumaraswamy also pointed to the Enforcement Directorate searches carried out at several locations during the previous week in connection with the alleged recruitment irregularities.
ED Probe Into Alleged KPSC Recruitment Irregularities
The Enforcement Directorate investigation has brought multiple individuals and locations under scrutiny in connection with the alleged irregularities. Searches have included the premises of the former KPSC chairman and veterinary officers, while the reported disappearance of IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar has added another development to the case.
The allegations made by political leaders are part of the ongoing controversy and investigation. The supplied material does not establish the allegations against the state government or other individuals as proven facts.
Political Pressure Mounts on Karnataka Government
The KPSC controversy has triggered attacks on the Congress-led Karnataka government from Union ministers Pralhad Joshi and HD Kumaraswamy. While Joshi alleged wider government involvement, Kumaraswamy called for the state Home Minister’s resignation.
The issue remains centred on alleged irregularities in government recruitment, the ED’s searches and the reported disappearance of the IAS officer. The investigation and related developments are expected to determine the facts surrounding the allegations.
Praveen Yadav is the Founder and Editor at The Nation Bulletin. With over 3 years of experience in digital journalism and news reporting, he covers national affairs, governance, and breaking current events with a commitment to factual accuracy and verified reporting.
