Recent controversies tied to corruption, not caste: Khattar

Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Friday said attempts were being made to give political or caste colour to recent incidents in Haryana, but those were actually linked to corruption.

Speaking in Faridabad at an event marking one year of the Nayab Singh Saini government, Khattar said that corruption remains a key challenge for the country and both the Central and state governments are taking decisive action against it.

“People tried to connect recent events with caste, but they were connected with corruption,” Khattar said in a video statement posted on his official X handle.

Without directly referring to the suicides of Dalit IPS officer Y Puran Kumar and ASI Sandeep Lather, Khattar said, “The theme of discussion these days is corruption. Combating corruption is the clear commitment of both the Central and State Governments.”

He reiterated that the “Zero Tolerance for Corruption” policy implemented during his tenure as Chief Minister will continue under the present government.

“No person — no matter how influential — will be spared if found involved in corruption. At the same time, no innocent individual will face injustice; everyone will receive fair treatment,” Khattar asserted.

It may be recalled that the Saini government had recently sent DGP Shatrujeet Kapur, a close aide of Khattar, on leave and transferred Rohtak SP Narender Bijarnia following the suicide of IPS officer Y Puran Kumar.

Highlighting reforms introduced for transparency and good governance, Khattar cited the online transfer system and digitalisation of services as major steps. He said both the Central and state governments share a vision of “honest administration, transparent governance, and dedicated public service.”

He urged citizens to actively participate in the anti-corruption campaign to make Haryana a model of integrity and accountability.

“The slogan ‘Bina Parchi, Bina Kharchi’ is not just a phrase but a symbol of a fair recruitment process,” Khattar added.