BJP delegation meets President over Kerala PSC irregularities
The delegation requested constitutional action following a former governor's recommendation to remove the commission chairman and members.
A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) delegation met President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday to seek action regarding alleged irregularities in the Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC). The group requested that the President consider a recommendation from former Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to initiate constitutional proceedings under Article 317 of the Constitution.
According to reports from The Hindu, The New Indian Express, and Hindustan Times, the delegation urged the President to refer the matter to the Supreme Court for an inquiry. The request follows findings by a Crime Branch special investigation team (SIT) into alleged examination manipulations, nepotism, and political interference. The SIT reportedly found that 10 questions worth 58 marks in a senior position exam for the Kerala State Planning Board were left unevaluated in all candidates' scripts, allegedly benefiting the first-rank holder.
The eight-member delegation included Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Rajya Sabha member C Sadanandan, and Rajya Sabha member P T Usha. In a memorandum, the delegation alleged that the commission's functioning has been undermined by backdoor appointments and political interference, which has impacted the impartiality of the recruitment body.
Addressing the media, Rajeev Chandrasekhar accused the Congress party of hypocrisy and double standards. He claimed the Congress highlights student issues in other states while failing to address unemployment and the plight of PSC rank holders in Kerala. He further alleged that the PSC has been captured by vested interests like the CPM.
Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan criticised the former governor on Wednesday, stating the state government was not consulted before the recommendation for the removal of PSC Chairman M R Baiju was made. The SIT has reportedly received 180 complaints relating to PSC examinations.