Bengaluru: Union minister HD Kumaraswamy Sunday launched a fresh attack on the govt over alleged widespread irregularities in recruitments conducted by Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), accusing Congress of failing to restore public confidence in the recruitment body.He alleged irregularities in the recruitment of assistant executive engineers, veterinary officers and other govt posts, saying KPSC had developed a negative image among the public and was “playing with lives” of job aspirants.Kumaraswamy alleged meritorious candidates were being pushed down the selection list and candidates who paid bribes were being allowed to write examinations at resorts. He questioned the need for KPSC if the govt could not ensure transparent recruitment.Targeting home minister Priyank Kharge, he recalled his earlier statement that he would abolish KPSC if given complete authority. “You have the authority now. What is stopping you from reforming the institution or abolishing it?” he asked.Kumaraswamy claimed he never issued illegal instructions when he was CM and revealed he appointed a person from the Dalit community as KPSC chairperson in 2006 instead of favouring relatives or associates.He said: “Rahul Gandhi (Congress LoP in Lok Sabha) travels across the country and interacts with students and youngsters. When will he come to Bengaluru and meet KPSC victims?”He also questioned the circumstances surrounding the movement of IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar, who was arrested by CID police in connection with alleged KPSC irregularities. He asked who permitted him to travel to Delhi and later move to Chennai before allegedly being kept at a resort near Devanahalli for three days.Meanwhile, home minister Priyank Kharge hit back at Kumaraswamy over his allegations of KPSC recruitment irregularities, accusing him of avoiding a “logical response”. Priyank alleged Kumaraswamy had recommended appointments from the 2011 gazetted probationers batch despite court orders cancelling the selection over irregularities. He also questioned Kumaraswamy’s alleged links with a former jailed KPSC chairperson and asked him to explain his record before questioning RDPR recruitment.
