BJP moves President to remove Kerala PSC chief, members

New Delhi: A BJP delegation led by Kerala party president Rajeev Chandrasekhar has petitioned President Droupadi Murmu to remove Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairman M.R. Baiju and other members over allegations of corruption, recruitment manipulation and favouritism.

The delegation, which met the President on Thursday, sought action under Article 317 of the Constitution, including a reference to the Supreme Court to investigate the conduct of the commission's leadership. It also urged Murmu to act on a recommendation reportedly submitted by former Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar.

The BJP leaders cited the July 13, 2023, examination for senior positions in the Kerala State Planning Board as an instance of alleged irregularities. They claimed that 10 questions carrying 58 marks were not evaluated in the answer sheets of all 228 candidates, potentially benefiting the candidate who secured the top rank.

The delegation also said a Crime Branch Special Investigation Team (SIT) had received 180 complaints concerning PSC examinations and identified nine tests for further investigation.

The delegation included Rajya Sabha members C. Sadanandan and P.T. Usha. The party alleged that political influence and irregular appointments had undermined public confidence in the recruitment body.

The development comes as the SIT continues its probe, having arrested a serving PSC official and a retired official. It has also questioned Baiju, while the remaining 15 members are yet to be questioned.

With IANS inputs