Minister for action against a student who accused him of 'not knowing' Kannada

BENGALURU: A student identified as Bharath accused Minister of Primary Education and Secondary Education Madhu Bangrappa of ‘not knowing’ Kannada at an virtual interaction programme on Wednesday. Over the accusation by a student, the Minister asked officials concerned to initiate action against the student after identification. Officials concerned assured the Minister “We will take action (against the student).”

The virtual interaction programme was held at the launch of State Government’s free online coaching to 25,000 students from Karnataka to take up CET, JEE and NEET examinations.

At the interaction, a student while interacting with the Minister stated “Education Minister does not know Kannada.” A visibly upset Minister replied “Hey Bharath, am I speaking to you in Urdu?”

He directed the officials concerned to view the matter “seriously” and initiate action against the student. The Minister told the officials seated alongside him at the interaction programme that “I cannot keep quiet after listening to it.” He wanted the officials concerned to “Find out, who is he?” Madhu Bangrappa directed the officials concerned to record the student’s words.

Expressing ire, the Minister said “This is stupid” and stated “The student should be ashamed (for his words).”

However, the Minister asking for action against the student identified as Bharath drew criticism from Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal advised the Minister not to initiate action against the student and wanted him to accept constructive criticism either from media persons or be it students.