A recent political controversy ignited by Karnataka Congress Minister Priyank Kharge over the “talent” available in other states has redirected scrutiny onto his own educational qualifications, as revealed by a series of affidavits submitted to the Election Commission.
The controversy began on Sunday, 26 October 2025, when Kharge, the Minister for IT/BT and Rural Development, publicly questioned the rationale behind semiconductor industries choosing to invest in Assam and Gujarat.
“Why are semiconductor industries going to Assam and Gujarat when they actually want to come to Bengaluru?” Kharge queried. “What is there in Gujarat? Is there talent there? What is there in Assam? Is there talent there?”
SHOCKING🚨: Congress Minister @PriyankKharge makes shocking comments about Gujarat and Assam, derisively insults the states for receiving Semiconductor industries. Kharge alleges the projects were taken to Gujarat and Assam from Karnataka, and insults the two states by saying… pic.twitter.com/O7J9qnznbP
— On Record (@OnRecordIndia) October 26, 2025
These remarks, seen as dismissive of the workforce in the two states, have sparked a backlash and led to a closer examination of the minister’s own declared credentials.
An Educational Record In Flux
An analysis of Priyank Kharge‘s sworn affidavits from his four electoral contests reveals inconsistencies in his declared educational level, a matter of public record when he filed his nomination and as available on the MyNeta website.
In 2008 (Bye-election): At the age of 30, Kharge declared his educational qualification as “10th Pass.”
In 2013: At 34, his qualification was updated to “12th Pass.”
In 2018: At 39, he again declared himself as “12th Pass.”
In 2023: In a surprising reversal, the 44-year-old minister’s affidavit once again lists his education as “10th Pass.”
Be Priyank Kharge:
> 10th pass in 2009
> 12th pass in 2013
> 12th pass in 2018
> PawPaw became AICC President in 2022
> Priyank himself was demoted to 10th pass in 2023 https://t.co/HjlP4pLETF pic.twitter.com/khzZ0fClqh— Anurag (@Jhunjhunuwala_) October 26, 2025
Priyank Kharge’s 2023 affidavit backtrack raises uncomfortable questions — did he even pass Class 12? His educational record has somehow regressed over time, showing that he isn’t a graduate at all. His only consistent credential appears to be his dynastic privilege.
The contradiction between his successive affidavits is particularly glaring given his habit of questioning the “talent” of others.
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