8th qualified GT Devegowda gets 'Education Ministry'

Bengaluru, June 10: Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy has dismissed questions raised on the allocation of the Higher Education portfolio to a minister GT Devegowda, who has studied till Class 8.

Mr Kumaraswamy, who holds BSc in degree, was asked about JDS 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 defeated 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 may have the wish to work in certain departments, but in every department, there is an opportunity to work efficiently. Is there a better department than Higher Education and Minor Irrigation to work?"

On reported comments by GT Devegowda about being given Higher Education, when he had just studied till the 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 in Bengaluru, adding that such wishes of becoming a minister first and then wanting certain specific portfolios are common.