Archive · 4 Aug 2026
Karnataka Minister Sparks Exam Controversy with Hunger Strike Proposal
In Karnataka, a state in India, students were taking a test to become police constables.
They said the numbers on their answer sheets didn’t match the numbers on the test papers, so many walked out.
The state’s exam board said the numbers don’t have to match.
The home minister, Priyank Kharge, said he would resign after a 25‑day hunger strike and a lathicharge, like a protest that happened with a medical exam called NEET.
Opposition leaders said the minister was making light of the students’ problems.
The students want a new test and justice from the chief minister and the home minister.
Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge sparked controversy with remarks about a police recruitment exam dispute.
Students at Tikota Sharadamba PU College protested over mismatched OMR sheets and question papers, demanding a fresh test.
The Karnataka Examinations Authority denied the allegations, stating OMR and paper numbers need not match.
Opposition leader Chalavadi Narayan Swamy criticized Kharge for downplaying the issue and called for an explanation.
Kharge suggested a 25‑day hunger strike and lathicharge before resigning, echoing the NEET paper leak protest.
- Who
- Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge and opposition leaders
- What
- Controversy over alleged irregularities in a police recruitment exam and minister's remarks
- When
- 2024
- Where
- Karnataka, India
- Why
- To address student complaints and political pressure over exam conduct
- Minister
- Priyank Kharge
- Exam
- Police Constable Recruitment Exam
- Controversy
- OMR sheet mismatch
- Authority Response
- Karnataka Examinations Authority denies allegations
- Protest Proposal
- 25‑day hunger strike and lathicharge
