Governor-BSY caught in 'doctorate' dispute

Bangalore, Feb 8: Former Union Minister B Janardan Poojary blamed Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa for directing a protest against the state Governor's decision. Governor HR Bhardwaj decided to hold back the conferment of Bangalore University"s honorary doctorate to litterateur and scholar M Chidananda Murthy.

Bhardwaj determined to put Murthy's name on hold for his views on conversion to Christianity. Latter had reportedly justified the church attacks. However, after receiving flak from litterateurs, Governor approved Murthy's name for award. The Kannada writers staged protest in front of Raj Bhavan in Bangalore on Monday Feb 7.

Poojary claimed that the protest was masterminded by Yeddyurappa and asked, “Murthy already holds a doctorate. How many doctorates a person needs? Does the knowledge of a person get recognition only when a doctorate is conferred on him? Is Murthy the only writer and historian from Karnataka? Is there a rule that the Governor should accept every recommendation for a doctorate? Why is Yeddyurappa pained at the rejection."

Poojary said, “the Governor has the paramount power to scrutinize recommendations and use his discretion in accepting or rejecting them. As the Governor"s decision is final and binding, the CM does not need to react to such decisions."

OneIndia News