Controversy erupts over direction to buy book on K'taka CM

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 March 28 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.
The letter states that the book is on Siddaramaiah's political life, popular schemes and achievements.
According to reports, the publishers have managed to sellabout 20,000 copies for Rs 300 per book.

The move has now attracted criticism after it wasplayed out in the media.
Condemning it as an attempt to promote oneselfthrough the book, Leader of the Opposition in the AssemblyJagadish Shettar has demanded its withdrawal.
Reacting to this, the Chief Minister said, "I'mnot aware of it. I just got to know that someone by nameMahadevaiah from Tumakuru has written the book, some one hasasked libraries to purchase it, I don't know. I will check upwho has done it."
Asked if the book would be withdrawn now, he said "I don't know anything about it.