Some remain illiterate despite being educated in IIT: L-G on Kejriwal targeting PM over degree

Wading into Arvind Kejriwal's criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's educational qualifications, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on Sunday took a dig at the Chief Minister saying one should not be boastful about one's degree and that some people remain illiterate despite being educated in IITs.

Saxena's remarks came as Kejriwal, who studied in IIT, and his party leaders attacked Modi after the Gujarat High Court recently overturned an order of the Central Information Commission (CIC) providing information on Modi's degree to the Chief Minister. The High Court also fined him Rs 25,000.

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"I have heard the comments made by the Chief Minister in the Assembly. One should never be boastful about their degree. A degree is only a receipt of education but real education lies in your knowledge and behaviour. I have seen the kind behaviour exhibited over the last few days. It has been proved how some people remain illiterate despite being educated in IIT," Saxena said.

Responding to the comments, AAP leader and Delhi Education Minister Atishi asked the L-G and BJP leaders to show their degrees.

"The L-G is raising questions on those IITs, in whose name Indian students become CEOs of big companies and make the nation proud. Those who have to hide their degrees will raise questions over the degrees of others. I would request the L-G to show his degree too and also ask the other BJP leaders to show their degrees," she said.

Stepping up its attack on the BJP and Modi on the education sector on Friday, AAP had alleged that the BJP was getting a municipal-run school near its headquarters demolished. Former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia also shot off a letter from prison claiming that it is "dangerous" for the country if the Prime Minister is "less educated".

"It is very dangerous for the country if the prime minister is less educated...Modi does not understand science…Modi-ji does not understand the importance of education. It is necessary to have an educated prime minister for the progress of India," Sisodia, who is in jail in connection with the Delhi excise policy case, said in the open letter.

Sisodia also alleged that it is unknown how many papers the Prime Minister has signed during his foreign visits "in return for a hug". He also alleged that the Prime Minister may not be in a position to understand the implications of such agreements.