New Delhi: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticised the government of India over alleged misconduct in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), urging the prime minister and minister for personnel to address the issues transparently.
Kharge accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of systematically taking over India’s constitutional bodies, thereby harming their reputation, integrity, and autonomy. “The BJP-RSS is systematically taking over India’s constitutional bodies, damaging their reputation, integrity, and autonomy! The multiple scandals plaguing the UPSC are a national concern,” Kharge tweeted.
These accusations followed the resignation of UPSC Chairman Manoj Soni and a probe revealing fraudulent attempts by IAS trainee Puja Khedkar to secure her candidacy.
Kharge demanded accountability from Prime Minister Modi and the Minister of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions. He highlighted the issue of unqualified people faking caste and medical certificates to exploit a supposedly ‘foolproof’ system, undermining the efforts of genuine candidates, including those from SC, ST, OBC, and EWS categories.
Kharge also questioned the secrecy surrounding Manoj Soni’s resignation, which was kept under wraps for over a month. He expressed concern over Soni’s premature resignation, five years before his term was due to end, and suggested a possible link to the ongoing scandals.
Referencing Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s description of civil servants as the ‘Steel frame of India,’ Kharge argued that the Modi government’s control over governance has weakened this framework. He called for a thorough investigation to prevent future fraudulent practices in UPSC admissions.
Congress Communications Secretary Jairam Ramesh added that Soni’s resignation seemed inevitable given the controversy. “Narendra Modi appointed one of his favoured ‘academics’ from Gujarat to the UPSC in 2017, making him chairman in 2023 for a six-year term. However, this so-called eminent individual has resigned five years early. Regardless of the reasons provided, it was clear he would be dropped amid the current UPSC controversy,” he tweeted.
Manoj Soni resigned citing personal reasons, according to officials familiar with the developments.
