As opposition leader, Siddaramaiah had influenced selection alleges Kumaraswamy

Bengaluru: The State Government’s decision to withdraw the final selection list of A and B Gazetted Probationers list has taken a political twist with former Chief Minister and JD (S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy joining the protesters on Friday.

Mr Kumaraswamy joined 362 selected candidates, who were holding indefinite fast unto death protest at Freedom Park. The JD (S) leader on Thursday had announced his plan to go on fast unto death from Friday morning, if state government did not reconsider its decision before 10 am, changed his mind at the last minute. Citing medical reasons, he decided to take part in the dharna in support of the candidates.

Addressing press persons at the Freedom Park, Mr Kumaraswamy alleged that while Siddaramaiah was an opposition leader he too had contacted the then KPSC chairman to get his candidates selected.

“Eight to 10 per cent of all the appointments done by the KPSC are either through influence or corruption. The practice has been prevalent since 1956, but the government has taken the hasty decision to cancel the list only this year,” he said.

“Every politician gives letter to KPSC. Even Mr Siddaramaiah, while he was opposition leader had requested the then KPSC Chairman Gonal Bhimappa to select his candidates. Let him tell the truth,” Mr Kumaraswamy said.

He also took a dig at CID, which conducted the investigation. “CID has submitted such a report as the children of CID officials didn't get selected in the examination. Government should dissolve the CID,” he said. He also informed that he is ready to die for the cause of students mostly from poor families and disadvantaged groups.