Priyank Kharge challenges BJP to expose his alleged role in KPSC scam

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Home Minister Priyank Kharge addressing a press conference in Kalaburagi city on Tuesday. | Photo Credit: ARUN KULKARNI

Challenging Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders to “expose” his alleged role in the KPSC scam, Home Minister Priyank Kharge asked why the Opposition had not raised the issue in the Assembly if it was confident that his “wicket” (political position) was about to fall. “If there is any evidence against me, let the BJP place it before the public,” he said.

“Why did BJP leaders not raise the issue in the Assembly if they really believed that my position was at stake?” he asked during a press conference in Kalaburagi on Tuesday.

Mr. Kharge questioned why Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok, BJP State president B.Y. Vijayendra, Council Opposition Leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy had not raised questions about KPSC Chairman Shivashankarappa Sahukar or Basavaraj Kannale.

“Who appointed Shanta Hosamani as a KPSC member and Basavaraj Kannale as a syndicate member of Tumkur University? Let the BJP come to discuss these issues. We can also discuss Shivashankarappa Sahukar and other officials who were in office during the BJP tenure,” he said.

Taking a dig at the BJP’s allegations, Mr. Kharge said BJP leaders have so far failed to substantiate their allegations against him. “If they want a debate on the KPSC issue, I am ready. Let us discuss all those involved, including the appointments and the role of officials during the BJP’s tenure,” he said.

He also questioned Mr. Ashok over the alleged BJP links of Basavaraj Kannale, a Bidar native arrested by the CID in connection with the KPSC recruitment of veterinary officers, and sought an explanation from the Opposition on the issue.

Mr. Kharge pointed out that the saffron shawls worn by Mr. Kannale, Mr. Ashok and Prime Minister Narendra Modi bore the BJP’s party symbol.

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