Lateral Entry Controversy: Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal Counters Rahul Gandhi's Claims

Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal refutes Rahul Gandhi's claims that the government is bypassing the reservation system through lateral entry. Meghwal insists that the process is methodically regulated by UPSC, unlike in the past. He accuses Gandhi of spreading misinformation and tarnishing institutional reputations.

Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Monday refuted allegations made by Rahul Gandhi regarding the government's alleged attempts to bypass the reservation system through lateral entry. Meghwal reminded the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha that former prime minister Manmohan Singh became finance secretary in 1976 via the same route.

Meghwal dismissed Gandhi's claims as 'baseless' and stressed that it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who formalized the lateral entry system by mandating UPSC to frame the rules. Previously, there was no formal system for such entries into governance, he noted.

'Whatever appointments or recruitments are to be done, UPSC will handle it. There's no issue involving BJP or RSS,' said Meghwal, adding that Gandhi's efforts to mislead people and tarnish the image of institutions would not succeed. He reiterated that the lateral entry process is open to all categories, including SC, ST, and OBC candidates.

(With inputs from agencies.)