k-taka-min-faces-backlash-over-reaction-to-student-query

Karnataka Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa has sparked a new controversy after demanding action against a student during an online exchange.

 

On Wednesday, as the state's free online NEET and CET coaching for government pre-degree college students was being launched, the incident took place at Vidhana Soudha.

 

In a widely shared video, Bangarappa was seen speaking with students online when an unseen student commented that he did not speak Kannada properly.

 

In response, Bangarappa said, "Who's saying that? Am I speaking in Urdu now? Those TV people will take this and play it. Who said I don't know Kannada? Record it and take action against them. That was a very foolish thing to say. This needs to be taken very seriously. I will not ignore this."

 

Bangarappa then instructed Principal Secretary Ritesh Kumar not to drop the matter. Reports suggest that the education department officials were trying to identify the student who made the remark.

 

The BJP criticised the minister's reaction. BJP leader Basanagouda R Patil Yatnal voiced his anger on social media platform X, tagging several Kannada news channels. 

 

He wrote, "It is well known that the education minister struggles with Kannada. Ordering action against a student for pointing this out shows his dishonesty."

 

Yatnal also said the education minister should learn to speak, write, read, and communicate clearly in Kannada. He emphasised that constructive criticism from students and journalists should be accepted. 

 

"In a democracy, everyone has the right to free speech, including students. Silencing it is disgraceful. No action should be taken against the student who questioned the minister's language skills," he added, while tagging local media outlets.

 

BJP MLA CN Ashwath Narayan also criticised Bangarappa, saying, "He is acting like a military commander. He is in public service and should view this as a challenge. I hope no action is taken against the student."

 

Bangarappa's reaction comes at a time when the state is enforcing strict measures to make Kannada mandatory not only in schools but also in corporate offices.