BENGALURU: A direction by the Karnataka Education Department to government and aided schools to purchase a book on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s political life and achievements for their libraries has triggered a huge controversy in the state.
The March 28 letter, which has now come to light, permits government and aided schools to buy the book titled ‘Itta Guri Ditta Hejje’ for their libraries. But the letter also says the purchase is not compulsory.
The book records the Chief Minister’s political life, popular schemes and achievements. According to reports, the publishers have managed to sell about 20,000 copies.
The education department’s move attracted criticism after it was reported in the local media.
Condemning it as an attempt to promote oneself, Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Jagadish Shettar has demanded the book’s withdrawal.
“I’m not aware of it,” Mr Siddaramaiah said. “I just got to know that someone by name Mahadevaiah from Tumakuru has written the book, someone has asked libraries to purchase it, I don’t know. I will check who has done it.”
Asked if the book would be withdrawn, he said, “I don’t know anything about it. Without knowing, how can I say that I will withdraw?
PTI