Prahlad Joshi questions Rahul Gandhi’s silence on K’taka PSC row

Bengaluru, July 23 (IANS) Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Prahlad Joshi on Thursday questioned Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi’s silence over alleged irregularities in the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), while accusing the Opposition of politicising the National Eligibility‑cum‑Entrance Test (NEET) controversy.

Addressing reporters in Delhi, Joshi said the Union government remains prepared for an open and fact‑based discussion on the NEET issue in Parliament and urged Opposition parties to participate in the debate in the interest of students.

“The Centre is ready for a constructive and factual discussion on the NEET controversy in Parliament. Several Opposition leaders, including Akhilesh Yadav, have agreed to such a discussion. However, it is not taking place because of the ego of one individual,” Joshi alleged.

He urged Opposition parties to set aside politics and collectively work towards safeguarding the future of students.

Questioning Rahul Gandhi’s stance, Joshi asked why the LoP had not spoken about the alleged KPSC controversy in Karnataka, where the Congress is in power.

“Rahul Gandhi has been vocal about NEET. Why has he remained silent on the KPSC issue in Karnataka? Why did he not support KPSC aspirants and students when they protested in the state? This exposes the Opposition’s double standards,” Joshi said.

The Union Minister claimed that Karnataka has around 2.7 lakh vacant government posts and alleged that there have been corruption allegations against the KPSC chairman. He further alleged that KPSC aspirants and students protesting in Karnataka were subjected to lathi‑charge.

Defending the Centre’s handling of the NEET issue, Joshi said the government acted promptly and did not attempt to evade responsibility.

“In the NEET case, 14 people have already been arrested. The government has introduced stringent laws providing for up to 10 years’ imprisonment and heavy penalties for those involved in examination‑related malpractices,” he said.

Joshi also referred to question paper leaks during previous governments, alleging that Rajasthan witnessed 19 such incidents during former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s tenure.

He further noted that Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had previously acknowledged the difficulty in preventing examination paper leaks despite best efforts.

Highlighting reforms in the education sector, Joshi said the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government has expanded opportunities for students since 2014.

“The Narendra Modi government has ensured that opportunities are provided based on merit. The number of medical seats has increased nearly threefold from around 51,000 in 2014, and the number of AIIMS institutions has also expanded significantly,” he said.

Reiterating the Centre’s commitment to strengthening the examination system, Joshi said the government cancelled the examination immediately after becoming aware of the alleged NEET paper leak and subsequently transparently conducted the re‑examination.

“Our government remains committed to further strengthening the country’s examination system and implementing structural reforms wherever necessary,” he added.

–IANS

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