Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge becomes embroiled in a political dispute after remarks during protests related to the state police recruitment examination. Speaking to reporters, Kharge defended the need for authorities to maintain law and order, and his comments on handling alleged irregularities triggered criticism from the opposition BJP. According to multiple reports, Kharge said he would resign, but first urged that candidates stage a long hunger strike and that authorities should use a “lathi-charge,” drawing comparisons to action taken after the NEET paper leak. Opposition leaders attacked the comments, saying they trivialise concerns raised by students.
The controversy follows complaints from candidates at the Tikota Sharadamba PU College examination centre in Tikota that numbers printed on their OMR sheets did not match those on their question papers. Some candidates walked out and alleged late distribution of materials and inadequate response to their complaints. Students claimed a large majority refused to proceed and demanded a fresh test.
However, the Karnataka Examinations Authority rejects the discrepancies, saying there is no requirement for OMR sheet and question paper numbers to match, and that candidates must fill specific series and version codes. Kharge also accused parts of the media of distorting his statements and warned of legal action.
