Minister for Education Dr Mahendra Reddy says it is not right that another politician speaks first before the Chief Guest delivers his speech.
Reddy’s comments follow a letter written by NFP Leader Biman Prasad saying that Dr Mahendra Reddy demanded that Prasad be removed from the program of the Tamavua Primary School prize giving ceremony and the opening of the new school hall today.
Dr Reddy was invited to speak as the Chief Guest while Prasad a patron of the school was also invited to speak at the event.
The Education Minister says he did not demand for the removal of Biman Prasad but just that it was not right for Prasad to speak first.
Biman Prasad who wrote to Dr Mahendra Reddy says he was supposed to speak as a Patron and talk about Jagindar Singh and his contribution to the school.
He says the programme was made several days before and he is sure that Dr Reddy knew about the program.
Prasad claims that he was told this morning that Dr Mahendra Reddy demanded that he be removed from the programme and not be allowed to speak.
He also claims that Dr Reddy demanded that if he was present, the Education Minister will not officiate as Chief Guest.
Prasad says as a mark of respect for Jagindar Singh he decided to remove himself from the programme and returned to the office.
He says he found such petty‑mindedness from Dr Reddy unbecoming of an Education Minister.
He says today was a happy occasion for the school and it was not about politics but Dr Reddy made it so and it is regrettable.
According to Biman Prasad two days ago, he shared the same platform with Minister Parveen Bala at the opening of the Westfield Villas in Nadi and they had a great opening.
Prasad has also copied the letter to the Acting Prime Minister for his information.
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