'Class 8 pass' minister gets higher education portfolio in Karnataka; Kumaraswamy asks what's wrong?

Bengaluru: "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.

Kumaraswamy, who holds a BSc degree, was asked about JD(S) minister GT Devegowda reportedly being upset at being given the higher education portfolio, especially as his own formal education has been limited.

GT 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, 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 told reporters here, 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 the people. Kumaraswamy later said he never meant to show disrespect to the people of the state."What I meant was so long as they (Congress) support me I can continue. So, whatever programmes we have to pursue, I will be at the mercy of Congress."

Kumaraswamy had last night allocated portfolios but it has left some upset including G T Devegowda and C S Puttaraju, who got the Minor Irrigation portfolio. Kumaraswamy retained the key Finance department, as also Energy with him while giving Home to his deputy G Parameshwara of the Congress.

The chief minister had inducted 25 new ministers on June 6, including those from his party JD(S), Congress, BSP, and the fledgling KPJP.

The JD(S) leader became the chief minister after the Congress offered support to the party keep out the BJP. In the 225-member Assembly, including one nominated, the Congress has 78 MLAs, the JDS has 36 and the BJP 104, with three others.