Priyank Kharge Hits Back at Kumaraswamy Over KPSC Recruitment Allegations: ‘Put Up the Facts’
Meta Title: Priyank Kharge Hits Back at Kumaraswamy Over KPSC Row
Meta Description: Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge responds to HD Kumaraswamy’s KPSC recruitment allegations and asks him to present facts before the public.
Focus Keyword: Priyank Kharge Kumaraswamy KPSC allegations
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Category: Karnataka News | Politics
Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Date: August 31, 2026
Bengaluru: Priyank Kharge challenges Kumaraswamy over KPSC allegations
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge has hit back at Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy over allegations linked to irregularities in Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitments.
Kharge urged Kumaraswamy to place the facts before the people instead of making what he described as “hit-and-run” allegations.
“I urge Kumaraswamy to put up the facts before the people rather than ‘hit-and-run’. It’s clear he is unaware of the facts,” Kharge said.
The latest exchange adds to the growing political confrontation over alleged irregularities in KPSC recruitment processes in Karnataka.
Kumaraswamy had demanded Kharge’s resignation
Kumaraswamy recently stepped up his attack on the Karnataka government over alleged irregularities in the recruitment of Assistant Executive Engineers (AEE) through KPSC.
He questioned decisions taken during the period when Kharge was handling the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) portfolio.
Kumaraswamy also demanded Kharge’s resignation and called for a deeper investigation into the recruitment process.
According to reports, the Union minister raised questions over alleged manipulation of OMR sheets and concerns surrounding examination records.
He also questioned the handling of complaints before the final appointments were made.
Allegations involve AEE recruitment
The controversy centres on the recruitment of 24 Assistant Executive Engineers under the RDPR department.
Kumaraswamy claimed that complaints were raised before the final selection list was issued.
He referred to allegations involving OMR sheets and the availability of CCTV footage from examination centres.
He also said a KPSC sub-committee had examined the complaints and sought verification of relevant records.
Kumaraswamy has used these claims to question the transparency of the recruitment process.
The Union minister has also argued that the controversy has affected public confidence in KPSC.
Priyank Kharge questions Kumaraswamy’s record
Kharge, however, has turned the questions back on Kumaraswamy.
In his response, the Karnataka minister questioned the Union minister’s own connection with earlier KPSC-related controversies.
Kharge has alleged that Kumaraswamy should explain his position on appointments linked to the 2011 gazetted probationers recruitment controversy.
He has also raised questions about Kumaraswamy’s reported interaction with a former KPSC chairman who was facing allegations in a recruitment-related case.
The exchange has now turned into a wider political battle between the Congress government and the BJP-JD(S) camp.
KPSC controversy widens in Karnataka
The dispute comes as KPSC faces allegations concerning recruitment to several government posts.
Kumaraswamy has recently criticised the commission over recruitment involving veterinary officers and other positions.
He has argued that repeated controversies are damaging the credibility of the recruitment system.
On August 30, Kumaraswamy again attacked the state government and said KPSC needed major reform. He questioned whether the commission could continue in its present form.
The allegations remain politically contentious, with the government and opposition leaders trading charges over accountability and transparency.
Political war over recruitment continues
The latest comments from Kharge indicate that the KPSC controversy is far from over.
While Kumaraswamy has demanded answers from the state government, Kharge is insisting that the Union minister provide evidence for his allegations.
The dispute could gain further political momentum as questions remain over the recruitment procedures and investigations surrounding the cases.
For thousands of government job aspirants, however, the larger issue is transparency.
The controversy has once again put the spotlight on the need for a recruitment system that candidates can trust.
Disclaimer: The allegations mentioned in this report are claims made by political leaders. They should not be treated as established facts unless confirmed through an official investigation or judicial finding.