Kharge was responding to Kumaraswamy’s criticism over the reported absence of Gyanendra Kumar, who was associated with the recruitment examination process of the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC). His current whereabouts have reportedly been unknown.
Kumaraswamy had questioned Kharge’s earlier statements about the officer and alleged that the state government was protecting him.
“Has the IAS officer run away, or is he with us? What does Kumaraswamy know about it?” Kharge asked while speaking to reporters in Bengaluru.
He said Gyanendra Kumar had submitted a written request for leave and questioned whether the government should disregard such a request.
“If an officer asks for leave in writing, should we not believe him? How do we know whether he is lying? When he comes back, we will enquire whether he was lying,” Kharge said.
Kharge also accused BJP and JD(S) leaders of using allegations against him for political mileage. Referring to the JD(S)-BJP alliance, he questioned whether Kumaraswamy’s earlier criticism of the RSS had been forgotten.
“What should I comment about those who throw away principles and ethics for power?” he asked.
Kharge alleged that attacking him had become a means for political leaders to gain favour, saying, “If they scold Priyank Kharge, they will get marks from Keshava Kripa,” referring to the RSS office in Bengaluru.
Turning to the KPSC controversy, Kharge said the BJP and JD(S) were free to raise questions about the alleged irregularities but should also explain the appointment of suspended KPSC chairman Shivashankarappa Sahukar.
“Who made suspended KPSC Chairman Shivashankarappa Sahukar a member of the KPSC? Who appointed him as chairman?” Kharge asked.
He also referred to allegations surrounding Sahukar’s political connections and appointment, including an unverified claim that he had paid Rs 200 crore to become KPSC president. Kharge further questioned allegations concerning photographs of former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa and state BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra at Sahukar’s residence.
“These are allegations being made by your own friends,” Kharge said.
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