Former BDA Commissioner T Sham Bhat was appointed as the chairman of the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) on Monday by the Siddaramaiah government in spite of rigorous opposition even from members of the ruling party.

According to the media reports, the Governor Vajubhai Vala has cleared Bhat’s appointment after Karnataka CM pushed for the appointment for over three months.

What is surprising is that the governor had rejected Siddaramaiah’s previous choice- V R Sudarshan in May 2015 citing Sudarshan’s political affiliations with the Congress and allegations of irregularities in purchase of a site. The KPSC has remained headless for over one year now.

While Bhat still awaits the formal order, the step has come as a surprise to members of opposition parties and civil organisations. They opposed the government’s choice of Bhat as he is accused of indulging in irregularities during his tenure in BDA.

BJP state president and former CM B.S. Yeddyurappa, criticised the Congress government for supporting Bhat who is facing allegations of corruption and misuse of power.

In September 2015, Special Investigation Team (SIT) grilled the 1992-batch IAS officer in connection with the Lokayukta scam. Bhat was among the people accused of not taking action against the owner of a site allotted by Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) when he was serving as the executive officer of the board.

Revenue minister Kagodu Thimmappa too expressed his unhappiness with recommendation of Bhat’s candidature as the head of KPSC.  

Bhat had earlier served as Commissioner in the Department of Muzrai (Endowment) and Commissioner of Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB).