Controversy erupts in Karnataka over official direction to buy book on Siddaramaiah

Bengaluru: An official direction, authorising government and aided schools to purchase a book on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s political life and achievements for their libraries by the Education department has stirred a controversy. The 28 March letter from the Education Department Commissioner’s office, signed by Director of Primary Education, which has now come to light, authorises and permits government and aided schools to buy the book titled ‘Itta Guri Ditta Hejje’ for their libraries. [caption id=“attachment_2864332” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  A file photo of Siddaramaiah. PTI[/caption] The letter states that the book is on Siddaramaiah’s political life, popular schemes and achievements. According to reports, the publishers have managed to sell about 20,000 copies for Rs 300 per book. The move has now attracted criticism after it was played out in the media. Condemning it as an attempt to promote oneself through the book, Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Jagadish Shettar has demanded its withdrawal. Reacting to this, the Chief Minister said, “I’m not aware of it. I just got to know that someone by name Mahadevaiah from Tumakuru has written the book, some one has asked libraries to purchase it, I don’t know. I will check up who has done it.” Asked if the book would be withdrawn now, he said “I don’t know anything about it. Without knowing about it how can I comment that I will withdraw?”