Siddu throws 'edu nationalisation' in Centre's court

Expressing support for the 84th Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana's resolution of seeking nationalisation of education from pre-primary level to the seventh standard, Coalition Government Co-ordination Committee chairman Siddaramaiah stated that the prime minister should call a meeting of all chief ministers to discuss this issue.

"The Supreme Court has stated that the medium of instruction of childer's education is the choice of their parents. As all 22 State languages are under threat, there is a need to nationalise primary education. Suitable amendment to the Constitution should be made, and the power to decide medium of instruction should be given to the State Governments," he said.

Siddaramaiah told media persons here on Monday that he is not aware why Chief minister H D Kumaraswamy did not sign the order of appointment of five Congress legislators to boards and corporations, recommended by the Party. "I will speak to him," Siddaramaiah said.

Defends Puttarangashetty

When asked about the demand for resignation of Backward Classes Welfare Minister C Puttarangashetty who has been embroiled in controversy since his office staff was caught with over Rs 25 lakh 'unaccounted-for' cash at Vidhan Soudha premises, Siddaramaiah answered the question with a question, saying "why should be resign? was it his fault? was it he who was caught with cash?"

"Investigation is on, and let the truth come about to whom that cash belonged. BJP leaders have no faith in anybody, including themselves. Therefore, they opposed CBI probe when they were in power, and are opposing ACB investigation now, when they are in the Opposition," he noted.

Responding to MLA Jagadish Shettar's allegation that Chief Minister H D Kumarswamy told a lie about Kalasa-Banduri issue, Siddaramaiah charged that BJP leaders have no morality to speak about Mahadayi issue.

Earlier, Siddaramaiah consoled the family members of Hubballi-Dharwad City District Congress Committee president Altaf Hallur, at at his house in Old Hubballi, in the background of the demise of Hallur's father.

MLA Prasad Abbayya, and others were present.