Innocent backs Smriti Irani on educational qualifications

New HRD Minister Smriti Irani, caught in a controversy over her educational qualifications, Friday received unexpected support from new Lok Sabha member and comedian Innocent who represents Chalakudy in Kerala.

Innocent contested as a Left-supported independent candidate and defeated Congress veteran P.C. Chacko in his debut general polls.

He told reporters here Friday that what matters most is not the level of educational qualifications, but the grasping power and level of understanding things.

"Assume a person knows 18 languages but what is the use if he speaks nonsense," said Innocent, which left the media persons in splits.

Innocent, 69, who has acted in more than 500 films in a career spanning over four decades, has studied only up to Class VIII but all through his election campaign prided in his education.

"For a politician, what matters is his practical wisdom, which is of utmost importance and not his level of education. Also what one learns in life is more important than what one learns from text books. Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Kamaraj did not study till Class VIII, which I have done," he pointed out.

Recently when he was asked in parliament in which language he will speak, the comedian shot back, saying: "I have acted in three Hindi films and also essayed roles in Kannada movies. So, if anyone has a doubt, please send him to me and I will clear his queries," he said.