BENGALURU: BJP MLA and Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly R Ashoka on Monday alleged large-scale irregularities and corruption in the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment process.He claimed that government jobs were being “sold” for money, news agency ANI reported.“More than 400 jobs are sold in the market for every veterinary doctor. More than Rs 800 crore of corruption has taken place in the KPSC,” Ashoka alleged.He further claimed that meritorious students who had secured top ranks in colleges and universities were failing to obtain ranks in KPSC recruitment examinations, while candidates with lower academic scores were allegedly being selected.“This is the trick with money. Whoever pays the money, they will get the rank,” he alleged.Ashoka said he would meet the KPSC chairman and demand a departmental inquiry into the alleged irregularities.He also accused the Karnataka government of being complicit in the matter, ANI reported.Drawing a comparison with the Congress’ protests over the alleged NEET examination irregularities, Ashoka questioned the absence of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on the Karnataka issue.“In Delhi regarding the NEET exam, Rahul Gandhi staged a protest. In Karnataka, a Rs 800 crore scandal happened. Where is Rahul Gandhi? This is the double standard of the Congress party,” he said.Ashoka further alleged that the state government was attempting to evade responsibility by targeting deputy commissioners and IAS officers.Earlier in the day, former Karnataka transport minister B Sriramulu also attacked the Congress government over the alleged KPSC irregularities.“There is nothing wrong in protesting over NEET. Rahul says it is the result of their protest. But who will resign over the KPSC scam?” Sriramulu said.He urged Rahul Gandhi to visit Karnataka and protest against the alleged KPSC scam in the same manner as he had over the NEET issue.“Who is responsible for the injustice in KPSC? A complaint was made to sit for three hours at the police station to even get an FIR registered. The Home Minister must clarify on this,” he said.(With agency inputs)
