HDK tells GTD to take charge as Higher Edu minister

It seems like senior JD(S) leader G T Devegowda is left with no option as he has been forced to take over as the Higher Education minister, a portfolio which he had shunned. Devegowda had said that he would not take over Higher Education, as he was only an eighth class pass.

On Thursday night, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy’s office issued a statement that Devegowda will assume charge on Friday.

The Chamundeshwari MLA, who was not available for comment, is however said to be very upset with the latest development.

Sources said Devegowda was caught by surprise when Kumaraswamy summoned him to Shakti Bhavan, where he was holding the pre-budget meeting, and told him that his portfolio would not be changed.

Distressed, the MLA rushed to party supremo H D Deve Gowda’s residence, seeking his intervention. But Gowda is said to have advised him to take over the portfolio.

Citing former Tamil Nadu chief minister K Kamaraj’s example, Gowda is said to have told Devegowda not to be worried about his educational qualification as Kamaraj had no formal education.

He had recently told DH that Kumaraswamy had assured him that he would get the Excise and APMC portfolios.

However, Kumaraswamy and his brother H D Revanna, anticipating further dissidence, were wary of changing portfolios at this juncture.