The war of words continues between HDK and Priyank Kharg over alleged irregularities in KPSC recruitments

Priyank Kharge | Photo credit: File Photo

The war of words between Industries and Steel Minister HD Kumaraswamy and Home Minister Priyank Kharg over alleged irregularities in appointments through the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) continued on Sunday, with the former accusing the government of doing nothing despite red flags.

“Who was the Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) when the irregularities in the rural drinking water supply system came to light? The KPSC secretary asked the government not to issue the appointment order. But within four months, the appointment order was issued. Wasn’t (the then RDPR minister Priyank Kharge) informed?” he told reporters here on Sunday. “Who is the government protecting?” asked Mr. Kumaraswamy.

Stating that the irregularities in the appointments had not been removed by the government, he said the government’s lawyers were only seeking time in court instead of taking the case to its logical conclusion. “It was only after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation (in the KPSC issue) started that the government woke up. Who allowed the officer (Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar) to go to Delhi? What happened there? Where did his friends take him? Why was he kept in a resort after ED searches? Who kept him in a resort?”

While Mr. Kumaraswamy on Friday accused Mr. Kharge of being complacent about KPSC irregularities related to rural drinking water scheme recruitment, Mr. Kharge on Saturday hit back at Mr. Kumaraswamy for past appointments of KPSC chairmen.

Meanwhile, the Home Minister hit out at Mr. Kumaraswamy, pointing to the past and accusing the Union Minister of not specifically responding to the issues raised by him.

“What was the interest of Mr. Kumaraswamy and (former Prime Minister) HD Deve Gowda to recommend the government to appoint the published batch of candidates for the exam in 2011 despite the High Court and the Supreme Court ordering cancellation of the selection? Why are you not talking about the promotion of your relative to IAS after the appointment was cancelled? What do you think the world of Parapp CAT did not stay In Agrahara Jail to meet the former chairman of KPSC who was jailed after being accused of irregularities?Mr Kharge questions.

“Isn’t it laughable that those who recommended appointment against High Court orders are now questioning RDPR recruitment?” Mr. Kharge said on social media platform X.

Published – 30 Aug 2026 20:33 IST