Karnataka KPSC Row: Kumaraswamy Demands Priyank Kharge’s Resignation, Minister Says ‘I Know Where IAS Officer Is’

A major political confrontation has erupted in Karnataka following Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy’s demand for the immediate resignation of State Cabinet Minister Priyank Kharge. The Union Minister accused the Karnataka government of mishandling the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment controversy and facilitating the exit of senior bureaucrat Gyanendra Kumar amid an ongoing probe by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru on Friday, August 28, Kumaraswamy alleged that the state government allowed IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar—who served as the controller of examinations for the KPSC—to leave the state following ED searches at his Bengaluru residence. The central agency is probing financial transactions tied to alleged corruption in the recruitment of veterinary officers, where candidates were reportedly asked to pay up to ₹80 lakh for appointments. Viksit Gujarat, Not Viksit Bharat: Priyank Kharge Alleges Centre Treating Southern States Unfairly After Revanth Reddy's US Visit Denied.

Kumaraswamy slammed Kharge over what he described as shifting statements regarding the official's whereabouts. He claimed that the government initially stated the officer had taken leave to visit his ailing father, only to later express ignorance about his location. "If the minister claims he does not know what is happening or where the official is, why is he holding office?" Kumaraswamy asked, alleging that the administration is shielding corrupt officials.

Responding to the allegations, Minister Priyank Kharge dismissed the resignation demand and countered that the administration was acting transparently based on official records. Kharge stated that the IAS officer had submitted a formal written leave application, asking whether the government should routinely disbelieve written documentation from senior bureaucrats.

"I know where IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar is, and there is no need to disclose every administrative detail to the opposition," Kharge remarked. He added that the state government would review the officer's leave records and facts upon his return, taking appropriate administrative steps if discrepancies are identified. Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy Slams Karnataka Government's Handling of Cauvery Crisis.

Kharge further turned the narrative back on the opposition, questioning the appointment of KPSC Chairman Shivashankarappa Sahukar during the previous regime and urging BJP and JD(S) leaders to address allegations regarding appointments made under their tenure. The controversy comes amidst widening ED probes into recruitment procedures across state departments, intensifying scrutiny over administrative transparency and examination governance in Karnataka.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 28, 2026 02:52 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).