Congress Slam Modi Government Amid UPSC Chairman's Controversial Resignation

Congress criticized the Modi government following the resignation of UPSC Chairman Manoj Soni amidst a controversy involving trainee IAS Pooja Khedkar. Jairam Ramesh alleged that all constitutional bodies have been undermined since 2014. Soni resigned five years before his term's end, citing 'personal reasons.' The resignation is under scrutiny.

In a sharp critique against the Narendra Modi-led government, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh lambasted the undermining of constitutional bodies since the BJP came to power in 2014. The attack came in the wake of amid the resignation of UPSC Chairman Manoj Soni, amid allegations involving trainee IAS officer Pooja Khedkar.

Ramesh's comments were particularly scathing, claiming that the 'sanctity, character, autonomy, and professionalism' of constitutional bodies had been severely damaged. 'But at times even the self-anointed non-biological PM is forced to say enough is enough,' he remarked. He further accused the government of importing 'one of its favorite academics' from Gujarat in 2017 and elevating him as UPSC Chairman in 2023. Ramesh suggested the resignation could be linked to a broader scandal involving fraudulent certificates for securing employment.

Manoj Soni cited 'personal reasons' for stepping down nearly five years before his term was supposed to end in 2029, according to sources from the Department of Personnel and Training (DOPT). His resignation, however, has not yet been accepted. Soni's departure comes as the UPSC faces scrutiny over allegations against Pooja Khedkar, who allegedly faked identity documents to clear civil service exams, the UPSC confirmed in a press release.

'The UPSC is embroiled in a serious controversy, and many more such characters have populated the system. Why is the Chairman of the NTA untouched so far?' questioned Ramesh, raising doubts about the integrity of other key administrators.

(With inputs from agencies.)