PM Modi's degree 'authentic', has minor error: DU Registrar

The year is mentioned as 1979 when he graduated a year earlier

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Downplaying allegations of discrepancies, DU (Delhi University) on Tuesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's (pictured) BA (Bachelor of Arts) as circulated by the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) was "authentic" and the university has all the relevant records relating to his graduation while terming as "minor error" the mention of 1979 in his degree whereas he graduated a year earlier.

The clarification by DU registrar Tarun Das came amid controversy over Modi's educational qualifications, with AAP (Aam Aadmi Party) continuing to question the genuineness of the BA degree.

Asked about certain discrepancies being alleged by AAP in his marksheets and degree certificate, Das said, "The discrepancies in names in two marksheets exist in university records as well. The university seeks to maintain privacy of any student who is getting enrolled with it. In view of the queries and reports in media, we would like to state that Narendra Damodardas Modi had qualified for Bachelors of Arts.”

“His enrolment number was CC 594/74 and his examination roll number number was 16,594," Das said.

Asked about variations in Modi's names in marksheets, Das said it was a common error as far as middle names were concerned.

"Similar errors are often pointed out by other students as well which are rectified when requested." On being asked about AAP's allegation that why he was awarded the degree in 1979 when he graduated in 1978, Das said "It is difficult to comment on minor errors." Yesterday, BJP president Amit Shah and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had released copies of Modi's BA and MA degrees in response to AAP's allegations.

The AAP had said the documents were "forged" and had "glaring discrepancies" in them.