HDK defends Class 8 pass edu minister

◗ Earlier, the chief minister had drawn flak for saying he was at the “mercy” of the Congress and not the people

Bengaluru: “What have I studied? I'm working as the chief minister” — this was Karnataka CM H. D. Kumaraswamy’s response on Saturday as he dismissed questions on allocating higher education portfolio to a minister who has studied till Class 8.

Bengaluru, June 9: “What have I studied? I’m working as the chief minister” — this was Karnataka chief minister H. D. Kumaraswamy response on Saturday as he dismissed questions on allocating higher education portfolio to a minister who has studied till class 8.

Mr Kumaraswamy, who holds a BSc degree, was asked about G. T. Devegowda reportedly being upset at being given the higher education portfolio, especially as his own formal education has been limited.

G. T. Devegowda, who emerged as a giant killer defeating former chief minister Siddaramaiah in Chamundeshwari constituency in Mysuru in the May 12 assembly polls, was said to be eyeing key portfolios, according to party sources.

Reacting to the issue, Mr Kumaraswamy, 59, said, “Some people will have wish to work in certain departments, but in every department there is opportunity to work efficiently. We have to work efficiently. Is there a better department than higher education and minor irrigation to work?” On reported comments by G. T. Devegowda about being given higher education, when he was just studied till eighth standard, the chief minister said, “What have I studied? I'm working as the chief minister. Should I give Finance?.... There will be demand for certain ministries, but certain decisions are made internally in the party,” he said, adding that such wishes of becoming a minister first and then wanting certain specific portfolios are common.

Earlier, the chief minister had drawn flak for saying he was at the “mercy” of the Congress and not people. Mr Kumaraswamy later said he never meant to show disrespect to people of the state.