Congress, BJP spat over HRD Minister Irani's qualification

New Delhi, May 27 (IANS) The Congress Tuesday taunted the BJP-led government saying the new Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani is not even a graduate, while the BJP retorted that the responsibility was given on the basis of leadership ability.

"What a cabinet of Modi? HRD Minister (looking after education) Smriti Irani is not even a graduate!" Congress leader Ajay Maken said in a tweet, referring to her election affidavit.

Law and Justice Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad called the comment unfortunate.

"It is very unfortunate if he (Maken) has said this... the way she (Irani) speaks in parliament, both in English and Hindi, and her leadership ability, are in front of the entire country. It is because of these qualities that the prime minister has given her this responsibility," said the Bharatiya Janata Party leader.

Inducted in the union cabinet Monday, Irani, at 38, is the youngest cabinet minister in the present government.