Congress targets PM Modi over Katheria marksheet row

NEW DELHI: Congress today mocked at and targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the row surrounding newly-inducted Minister of State for HRD Ram Shankar Katheria over graduation marksheet, saying the "master" does not seem to be in control.

Linking the issue to an earlier controversy about HRD Minister Smriti Irani's educational qualification, Congress spokesperson Salman Khurshid said sarcastically, "There is something called a talent pool and one picks people for a particualar job, the best suited candidate is chosen.

"In this case, it seems those who have maximum human resources have been picked for the job."

He said that the issue is not about these ministers but about the "master of the class" and the "he should be in control, which does not seem to be the case. He should answer. But he does not meet you (media)."

Katheria, inducted as MoS for HRD on Sunday, is in the thick of a controversy following allegations that his graduation marksheet was fake. He has, however, strongly denied the charge, terming it a political conspiracy.

Asked whether Congress considers the matter to be one relating to a criminal offence and would take action against Katheria accordinlgy, Khurshid said, "If he (Modi) listens to me, I should certainly demand but I have a sinking feeling that he will not listen."

Party general secretary Digvijay Singh tweeted, "First Minster HRD and now MOS HRD has given Fraud Mark Sheet! On top of it RSS wants to change the Text Books and Indian History".

AICC communication department chairman Ajay Maken said in his tweet "BJP-Gift to the Nation Education Min filed wrong Affidavit: MOS allegedly forged MarkSheet! Modi's #Clean Politics?".