BJP accuses Congress, Rahul Gandhi of double standards over alleged paper leak in Karnataka
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday accused the Congress and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, of maintaining “double standards” by remaining silent on alleged corruption and a recruitment examination paper leak in Karnataka, even as the State government moves to challenge a court-ordered probe.
Allegations tied to Veterinary Officers Recruitment Examination
Addressing a press conference on October 1, 2026, BJP MP and national spokesperson Sambit Patra spotlighted the alleged leak of the Veterinary Officers Recruitment Examination question paper held on January 8 and 9, 2026, for 400 posts. According to investigators, around 1,400 candidates appeared for the exam, of whom 329 were selected.
Karnataka’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have alleged that the then Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) Controller of Examinations, IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar, facilitated the leak to a middleman. Investigators further alleged that at least 11 candidates paid a total of ₹1.52 crore to obtain access to the leaked material.
‘Diamond necklace’ query directed at Rahul Gandhi
Mr. Patra also raised questions about a diamond necklace allegedly linked to the proceeds of the purported leak. Investigators claim the IAS officer purchased a diamond necklace valued at ₹22 lakh using payoffs connected to the case.
“Rahul Gandhi should also tell the truth about the necklace. Who has the ₹22-lakh necklace? Who was it gifted to and when was it gifted?” Mr. Patra asked.
Legal turn: HC-ordered SIT and State’s challenge
On September 21, the Karnataka High Court directed the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe alleged irregularities in the conduct of the examination. Subsequently, the Karnataka government approved a Special Leave Petition to challenge the High Court’s order in the Supreme Court.
Political charge of ‘silence’ and selective outrage
Questioning the Congress government’s decision to challenge the High Court’s directive, Mr. Patra accused the party of maintaining silence on controversies in States where it is in power while demanding probes in BJP-ruled States. He argued that the State’s move to contest the SIT in the Supreme Court raises further questions about its commitment to ensuring transparency in the recruitment process.
What lies ahead
The allegations against the former KPSC official and the purported exchange of money for advance access to examination materials remain under scrutiny by investigating agencies. With the Karnataka government moving the Supreme Court against the High Court’s SIT order, the legal trajectory of the probe—and the political sparring around it—is set to continue.
Published: October 1, 2026
