Priyank Kharge Faces Corruption Allegations From H D Kumaraswamy

A fresh political confrontation has erupted in Karnataka after Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy levelled corruption allegations against Minister Priyank Kharge. Kumaraswamy questioned decisions taken when Kharge was handling the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj portfolio and demanded that the minister step down over alleged irregularities.

The dispute centres on the appointment of 24 Assistant Executive Engineers. Kumaraswamy questioned why the appointments were made in such haste and claimed that there were court directions concerning the timing of the appointments. He also referred to documents and OMR sheets while making his allegations.

Kumaraswamy argued that the issue required an explanation from Kharge and questioned the decision to proceed with the appointments despite the reported legal restrictions. He alleged that the matter raised serious questions about the functioning of the department when Kharge was its minister.

The Union Minister also broadened his criticism to other issues concerning the Karnataka government. He questioned Kharge over the controversy surrounding KPSC and the whereabouts of an examination controller. Kumaraswamy referred to earlier statements about the official’s health and subsequent comments that his whereabouts were not known.

Kumaraswamy used the issue to question Kharge’s handling of the Home Department. He also criticised the minister over his statements on several political and administrative matters and said opposition voices could not be silenced.

The remarks quickly drew a response from Kharge, who rejected the criticism and hit back at the Union Minister. He questioned Kumaraswamy’s comments about his language and accused the JD(S) and BJP of using him as a political target to maintain their relevance.

Kharge said he had nothing to learn politically from either the BJP or JD(S). He also questioned the political approach of leaders who, according to him, compromise on principles and ideology for power.

The minister also responded to questions concerning an IAS officer whose whereabouts had become a subject of political discussion. Kharge said he knew where the officer was and made it clear that he was not required to provide that information to Kumaraswamy or BJP leaders.

The exchange has added another layer to the ongoing political battle between the ruling Congress and opposition parties in Karnataka. Allegations concerning government appointments, recruitment processes and administrative decisions have repeatedly become points of confrontation between the two sides.

Kumaraswamy’s latest allegations are focused on decisions taken during Kharge’s earlier tenure in the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department. However, the allegations made in the political exchange remain claims from the respective sides, and the dispute has so far resulted mainly in a war of words.

Kharge, meanwhile, has maintained a combative position and rejected the accusations rather than accepting the demand for his resignation. His response indicates that the minister intends to challenge the allegations politically and defend his record.

The controversy could gain further attention if additional documents or official findings emerge regarding the engineer appointments. For now, the issue has developed into a sharp political confrontation, with Kumaraswamy demanding accountability and Kharge dismissing the criticism as an attempt to target him politically.