Karnataka HM Kharge questions BJP's silence on KPSC scam accused, rejects calls for his resignation

Bengaluru: Karnataka Home Minister, Priyank Kharge, on Monday questioned the BJP’s demand for his resignation over the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment irregularities and alleged that the party’s leaders had no clear answer when asked why he should step down. He also questioned the BJP’s silence over Basavaraj Kannale, one of the key accused in the case and suspended KPSC Chairman Shivashankarappa Sahukar.

Kharge has also released arrested BJP leader Basavaraj Kannale's pictures with prominent state party leaders including with Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka.

It can be noted that Minister Kharge is son of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge.

In a post on social media platform X, Kharge said the BJP should answer several questions instead of merely demanding his resignation, asserting that “shouting loudly” would not conceal the truth.

“If I ask the BJP leaders who are demanding my resignation why I should resign, they have no clear answer,” Kharge said.

He questioned the BJP’s silence over Basavaraj Kannale, who is one of the key accused in the KPSC scam, and asked why BJP leaders had not spoken about him. It can be noted that Kannale has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and is currently being questioned by CID sleuths.

Kharge alleged that Kannale had appeared at official BJP meetings and accompanied BJP leaders on national and international tours. He also claimed that Kannale had been seen receiving the blessings of his “Appaji” and that BJP leaders had participated in his birthday celebrations.

The Minister further alleged that BJP leaders had been seen inaugurating Kannale’s business ventures and sharing meals with him.

“Despite all this, the BJP is demanding only my resignation,” Kharge said, questioning why BJP leaders were silent over the alleged attempt by Kannale to flee the country.

Kharge also questioned the BJP’s response to suspended KPSC chairman Shivashankarappa Sahukar.

“When it comes to suspended KPSC Chairman Shivashankarappa Sahukar, why has their mouth remained shut?” he asked.

Raising a broader allegation, Kharge asked how much money BJP leaders had taken to facilitate the appointment of people as KPSC members and chairman.

“And the bigger question: How much money have BJP leaders taken to make people KPSC members and chairman?” he asked.

Kharge also questioned how many BJP leaders had actually spoken about the KPSC scam or demanded accountability in connection with the case.

His remarks came amid the BJP and JD(S) parties mounting pressure on the Karnataka government over the alleged KPSC recruitment scam and its demand for accountability from the government.

Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has launched scathing attack on Minister Kharge made direct allegations against him regarding his role in KPSC case.

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