The ongoing controversy surrounding Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s educational qualifications has taken a new turn, with Telangana Minister KT Rama Rao offering to share his own academic certificates to put an end to the debate.
The controversy began when opposition parties raised questions about the authenticity of Modi’s degree certificates. The prime minister had claimed to have obtained a bachelor’s degree in political science from Delhi University and a master’s degree in entire political science from Gujarat University. However, some media reports and RTI queries have cast doubts on the veracity of these claims.
Reacting to the controversy, KTR, who is the son of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, took to Twitter to offer his own academic certificates. He tweeted, “If this is about degrees, happy to share mine. BA from Wesleyan University, MSc from City University London. Anyone else want to share theirs?”
The move was widely seen as a jibe at Modi and his supporters, who have been defending the prime minister’s educational qualifications. KTR’s tweet also highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in public life.
The debate over Modi’s educational qualifications has been raging for several years now. In 2015, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had accused Modi of lying about his degree certificates and had demanded that the prime minister make them public. Modi’s office had responded by releasing copies of his BA and MA degrees, but the controversy has refused to die down.
Critics of Modi have argued that the prime minister’s educational qualifications are not relevant to his performance in office. However, supporters of the prime minister have countered that the controversy is politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing Modi’s image.
The issue has also raised questions about the quality of higher education in India and the need for greater transparency in academic institutions. Many experts have called for reforms in the education system to ensure that degrees are awarded on the basis of merit and not political or other considerations.
In conclusion, KTR’s offer to share his academic certificates is a bold move that highlights the need for transparency and accountability in public life. The controversy over Modi’s educational qualifications may continue to simmer, but it is important for public officials to set an example by being open and honest about their own credentials.
